No need to travel all the way to the North Pole to enjoy one of the most iconic aspects of Christmas: the official and certified office of Santa Claus is in Gironde, in the town of Libourne. Every year, starting at the end of November, the team of post elf helpers gets busy handling the letters, crafting personalized responses, and keeping a tradition alive that’s over 60 years old!
A cherished national tradition in Libourne
Since 1962, the Libourne postal sorting center has been home to the famous Santa Claus secretariat. Every year, it receives over a million letters, drawings, wish lists, and messages, all addressed to the legendary resident of the North Pole. Postal agents, specially assigned for this occasion, turn into modern elves, tasked with reading, sorting, and responding to the correspondence.
How to write to Santa Claus?
The address is simple: Santa Claus – 1, Rue du Ciel Étoilé – 33500 Libourne (or any other label like “Santa Claus – North Pole”: the magic always works!). Just make sure to include the name, the first name, and...;name and the child's address on the back of the envelope. No stamp is necessary: the Post Office takes care of the sending. In return, each child receives an official letter from Santa Claus, sent from Libourne, sometimes accompanied by a surprise or a lovely drawing.
Libourne, the Gironde capital of postal magic
Beyond logistics, Santa Claus's secretariat is a genuine warm and sensitive mission, almost of a social nature. The teams sometimes read messages filled with hope, tenderness, or even confessions. This unique exchange highlights the importance of a simple gesture: responding, gently, to the dreams of the little ones. As mailboxes fill up with wishes and greetings, Libourne reminds us that the magic of Christmas is primarily fed by sharing, stories, and a few words sent from the heart.
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