Anna Geppert — France

Abstract

In this national profile, Anna Geppert explores the evolving role of spatial planning in France. She highlights a paradox: while planning values such as spatial quality are widely supported, the planner’s authority has declined. Since the 1980s, decentralisation and the involvement of multiple actors have weakened central control, while planning has become fragmented across policy sectors. Sustainability dominates discourse but is often vague, and planning conflicts—such as opposition to megaprojects—receive more media attention than systemic issues. Geppert also notes a shift from theory to pragmatic practice, the weakening of national strategies to reduce regional disparities, and the continued strength of France’s planning education, though without integration with architecture schools. She calls for stronger EU-level regulation of the planning profession and closes by inviting reflection on the feasibility of a coherent European Urban Policy.