Housing and property · Neighbour relations · viewing distances
Windows and neighbours: French viewing-distance rules
French private-law viewing distances depend on the opening: 1.90 m for a straight view and 0.60 m for an oblique view, subject to title and the applicable statutory exception. Light-only openings and openings in party walls follow different rules. Measure from the exterior wall face or outer balcony line to the property division; planning permission alone does not resolve these rights.
- Official texts cited
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- Drafted with AI assistance, our method
General legal information with official references and dated checks. It is not personalised advice: for a decision that commits you, have your situation checked by a qualified professional.
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Is exactly 1.90 m a straight-view boundary value?
It is the statutory reference, but measurement, classification and title still require checking.
Read the referencesLet’s identify the opening before comparing distance and title.
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Which reference matches the opening?
| Situation | Reference to check |
|---|---|
| Straight view | 1.90 m setback |
| Oblique view | 0.60 m setback |
| Light-only opening | Specific construction and height |
| Party wall | Neighbour’s consent |
Code civil, article 678Code civil, article 679Code civil, article 680Code civil, article 675Code civil, article 676
How do straight and oblique views differ?
Articles 678 and 679 provide for 1.90 m and 0.60 m respectively. Identify what the opening actually permits and the site geometry. A label attached to a window is insufficient; title and easements may also affect the analysis.
Code civil, article 678Code civil, article 679Code civil, article 680
How can measurements and opening rights be organised?
The example records 1.80 m for a straight view, to compare with the reference and title.
Fictional example · Your preparation worksheet
Compare the reliable measurement with the 1.90 m reference, then examine title and the statutory exception; no easement verdict is produced.
- Measurement to compare with the reference
- 1.80 m
- Photograph the opening’s features without entering neighbouring land.
- Establish the boundary and measure from the exterior wall face or outer balcony line.
- Retain title, agreements and plans; distinguish planning permission from civil rights.
Measurement alone proves neither classification, title nor prescription. The diagram is schematic and not to scale.
Where should measurement start?
Article 680 measures from the exterior wall face or outer line of a balcony or projection to the property division. Do not measure from the window centre or a boundary merely assumed from a cadastral map.
Does a light-only opening follow the same rules?
No. Articles 676 and 677 regulate fixed glass, grilles and height: 2.60 m on the ground floor and 1.90 m on upper floors in the stated situation. That 1.90 m height is distinct from the setback for a straight view.
What does the governing text say about viewing distances?
s'il n'y a dix-neuf décimètres de distance
In plain English: Articles 675 to 680 address different openings; setback alone cannot classify every case.
Can a window be opened in a party wall?
Article 675 requires the neighbour’s consent. Address that question before calculating setback. Find any agreement and establish whether the wall is actually shared rather than privately owned on the boundary.
Does a path or old opening automatically create an exception?
No. The exception in articles 678 and 679 concerns a particular passage easement preventing construction and benefiting the property enjoying the view. A claimed title or prescription needs individual analysis; this page validates no window simply because of its age.
Code civil, article 678Code civil, article 679Code civil, article 680
What else should you know about viewing distances?
Is exactly 1.90 m a straight-view boundary value?
It is the statutory reference, but measurement, classification and title still require checking.
Code civil, article 678Code civil, article 679Code civil, article 680
Does planning permission settle the easement?
No. Private rights need separate examination.
Code civil, article 678Code civil, article 679Code civil, article 680
Is a light-only opening an ordinary opening window?
No. Fixed-glass and grille requirements need checking in the statutory situation.
Does the diagram replace a survey?
No. It explains measurement points without establishing the actual boundary.
Which sources explain viewing distances?
- Code civil, article 675Légifrance / DILA
- Code civil, article 676Légifrance / DILA
- Code civil, article 677Légifrance / DILA
- Code civil, article 678Légifrance / DILA
- Code civil, article 679Légifrance / DILA
- Code civil, article 680Légifrance / DILA
Texts cited last checked: 19 October 2026