In a time when the post office is evolving toward an autonomous institution, the author initiates a research work on the occupation of rural postman that he exerted during two years (1990-92) in the Pyrenean Ariège region. In this relatively isolated rural environment the postman is not only a postal worker, but a « servant » in the service of the collectivity. He makes the bond between families and the post office, carries out some steps (signing of documents, advance of payments) for which he is rewarded with a tip. By doing this he oversteps the limits of his job strictly defined by the institution and even more defies its prospects of evolution to more commercial functions.