Whether you’re catching a train to Paris from Gare de Lyon or Gare du Nord or arriving at Charles de Gaulle airport or Orly, you may find yourself in need of porterage services.
In France, these services are provided by a very few companies but are available at most major train stations and airports. Indeed, this may seem strange.
Here’s everything you need to know about luggage porter services in France.
What is a luggage porter?
A luggage porter is a professional who helps travelers with their luggage. They can provide a number of services, including loading and unloading luggage, carrying luggage to and from transportation, and storing luggage while you travel.
Why use a luggage porter service?
There are a number of reasons why you might want to use a luggage porter service. If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, it can be helpful to have someone else handle it for you. This is especially true if you’re traveling with children or if you have any mobility issues. Check out our article about the best reasons to use Luggage Porterage Service in Paris. Luggage porter services can also be helpful if you’re tight on time. They can help you make sure you don’t miss your train or flight by loading your luggage and getting it to the platform or check-in area quickly. Finally, using a luggage porter service is a good way to ensure your luggage is handled safely. Porterage companies are usually insured, so you can rest assured your belongings are in good hands.
Why is it difficult to find luggage porter services in France ?
In France, porterage services have progressively dissapeared overtime. It is still in place in hotels in train stations and airports. However, for train stations and airports, bear in mind this service may be difficult to organise : availability issues and long delay to receive an answer. In addition, service may only be available for disabled/frail people assistance, not for bags...
The covid crisis has disrupted intensive labor oriented jobs such as Porterage service. Porters are more difficult to hire than before Covid, and companies in financial difficulties, have decided to eventually reduce number of employees to keep them at minimum requirement (off peak season level).
What cities can you find porter services in France ?
You can find porter services in different places in France such as Paris and Nice. You will hardly find those elsewhere and will have to question airports and train stations locally or go through online forums to find a good address.
Alternatively, you can ask Alfred Agent if they can help in the matter as we do offer such service in France, in some places, as long as we have an available agent where needed.
How much does Porter service costs in France ?
To hire Porter Service in France, generally speaking, the cost can vary from 4€ a luggage (from train to outside station) to 250€ (from airport plane gate to outside airport).
What companies offer luggage porter services in France?
There are only a few companies that offer luggage porter services in France. Some of the most popular include:
Airport Porter Service:
#1 Choice | Alfred Travel : Paris and Nice.
This option is appropriate for heavy luggage not fitting in a taxi.
You can use a Meet and Greet combined with a door-to-door luggage delivery service through Alfred, by contacting us HERE.
Our services are available in CDG paris Airport, Orly Paris airport and Nice airports.
- Meet and greet = we carry your luggage from the plane to the outside of the airports.
- Door-to-door delivery = luggage will be picked up from airports and delivered to an address of your choice, when ever you want.
You can buy one or both services, seperatly.
#2 Choice | Paris Airport service
This option is appropriate for few/small luggage fitting in a car.
You can use a Meet and Greet combined with limousine transfer.
Porter will greet you from the plane and help you with your luggage to the limousine waiting for you, outside the airport. From limousine to your accommodation however, you will have to carry your luggage.
The services are available in CDG paris Airport, Orly Paris airport.
Train station Porter Service:
#1 Choice | SNCF train station service
This option is appropriate for people with disability or mobility issues + passengers with maximum 2 luggage each (limited by train company).
You can ask the french national company assistance on the following website. They offer luggage assistance however, make sure to submit you request far in advance.
This service is available in different railway station in France, however a request will be needed for each of them.
#2 Choice | Alfred Service
This option is appropriate for anybody/passenger or group or Family, traveling with more than 2 bags each or more than 6 bags total.
Alfred travel can arrange luggage shipment and delivery from any major city in France to a hotel or home address. This is the best option when you travel with access luggage, out of format luggages, or simply to avoid any fuss related to luggage at all.
