ABSTRACT
French urban planning was determined in France by the law of 1919/24 about planning, beautification and extension of the cities to the 1950s. If its adoption was linked to the First World War, the plans were defined during 20 years by the republican regime, including the colonial empire. Through three very distinctive examples (Angers, Vitry-syur-Seine and Marseille) we consider the different aspects of this policy. Roads networks, zoning, sidelining of heavy industry and protection of peri-urban landscapes are the main aspects of the policies carried out. During the Vichy regime, the second reconstruction and after the Second World War this law is still and partially in effect.
