Does your house or terrace look directly onto your neighbour’s property, and would you like to address it? The French Civil Code strictly regulates views between neighbouring properties, but there are also solutions to block overlooking and preserve your peace and quiet.
Here, we explain the regulations and how a privacy screen or a fence panel can effectively protect your privacy. Discover our range of attractive, hard-wearing models to enhance your outdoor space.
French Civil Code rules on views between neighbours
Article 678 of the French Civil Code is very clear. It distinguishes two types of views:
- Direct view (from a window or balcony allowing you to look directly into your neighbour’s property without leaning out): the opening must be at least 1.90 m from the property boundary.
- Oblique view (which requires you to lean out or turn your head to see): this distance is reduced to 0.60 m.
These rules apply to windows, balconies, terraces and other openings. If these distances are not respected, the view is unlawful. However, it is possible to obtain a right-of-view easement by agreement with your neighbour.
This exemption can be obtained in three ways:
- By written agreement: a contract signed between neighbours authorises the creation of an opening without complying with the legal distances.
- By thirty-year prescription: if the opening has existed for more than 30 years without the neighbour ever objecting.
- By “destination du père de famille”: when an owner divides their land into two. If one of the buildings ends up with a non-compliant view over the other, the new buyer must accept it.
What solutions can help protect your privacy?
Even if the view is lawful, you are entitled to want to protect yourself from overlooking. To do so, several options are available.
Installing a blackout privacy screen is the most common method. If you choose a plant-based solution (hedge, bamboo, etc.), be sure to comply with the legal planting distances: 2 m from the property boundary for plants over 2 m tall, and 50 cm for lower plantings.
You can also install or raise a fence (wooden fence panels, composite panels, etc.). This type of installation generally requires a prior works declaration at the town hall. Remember to check your municipality’s Local Urban Plan (PLU), which may impose specific rules on height, materials or colours.
Find the ideal privacy screen at Clôture Discount
A privacy screen is an ideal solution for restoring peace and quiet on your terrace or in your garden. Clôture Discount offers a wide range of products to suit every need and style:
- Natural solutions: willow or bamboo screening for an authentic look.
- Synthetic solutions: artificial hedges (green wall, strand hedge) for a realistic, maintenance-free result.
- Fabric or PVC privacy screens: an affordable and effective solution, available in several colours and levels of screening.
- Privacy slats: to insert into an existing rigid mesh fence, available in wood, PVC or composite.
Our products are designed to be durable, easy to install and maintain, and come with multi-year warranties. With Clôture Discount, you will find quality privacy screens that comply with standards. Browse our online catalogue to discover all our offers.
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