4 centuries of maritime commitment celebrated by La Poste

At the heart of this creation: the bâchi, this iconic headgear of sailors, which has become the symbol of a secular tradition and an unwavering commitment. Through this stamp in an original, round format, the postal institution highlights the essential role of French sailors, mobilized day and night, all over the world. 'This is a tribute to the commitment of the sailors who protect French citizens and their interests on all the world's oceans and seas, 365 days a year and 24 hours a day,' emphasized Capitaine de Frégate Julie Doumas, communications director of the Marine nationale.

Previewed on May 5 at the La Poste Toulon Liberté office, the stamp was then put on sale throughout France the following day. The event took place in the presence of several personalities, including Isabelle Anselme, director of La Poste Toulon-Liberté, Julie Doumas, Capitaine de Vaisseau Édouard Carrard, Vice-amiral Claude Arata, president of the association 'La marcophilie navale', as well as Vice-amiral Laurent Isnard, also deputy mayor of Toulon.

Designed by the artist Mathilde Roussel, 594,000 copies of this stamp were printed. Its circular shape, rare in traditional philately, reinforces its unique and symbolic character, reflecting the history it celebrates.

With this issue, La Poste is not just marking an anniversary; it is embedding a fragment of maritime history into the daily lives of French people, between memory, pride, and modernity.