Do you post out the visa after an application visit?

Ian, you are not supposed to do the application at the embassy. Instead, you should do it at the CVASC center in France. The center in Paris does not offer postal service while the other one in Marseilles offer this service. So you should first check whether the CVASC in Marseilles is in charge of your residence region. If yes, you can mail your application there. If not, you have to apply and collect your passport at the center in Paris in person.