# Shared Hedges: Height, Trimming and Planting Distance on the French Riviera > Neighbor dispute over a shared hedge? Learn the legal height, trimming rules and planting distance on the French Riviera. Call 04 22 46 06 04. - URL : https://cassini-expertise.fr/en/shared-hedge-height-trimming-distance-french-riviera/ - Langue : en-US - Mis à jour : 2026-11-02 - Site : Cassini Expertise (https://cassini-expertise.fr/) {“@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “FAQPage”, “mainEntity”: [{“@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Does the expert come to my home, or do I need to travel?”, “acceptedAnswer”: {“@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “The expert visits your property on site. The visit lasts 2 to 3 hours depending on the surface area. The expert personally inspects the property: whoever visits signs the report.”}}, {“@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Is the expertise quote really free?”, “acceptedAnswer”: {“@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Yes. The quote is free, detailed and without obligation. You know exactly what you’re paying for before deciding. No work or materials will be sold to you afterwards – the expert is independent.”}}, {“@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What happens if I do nothing?”, “acceptedAnswer”: {“@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “It depends on the issue: a crack that worsens can compromise the structure. Water infiltration can rot the roof frame. A waterproofing defect can degrade insulation. The longer you wait, the more expensive repairs become.”}}, {“@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Does the expert work with my lawyer?”, “acceptedAnswer”: {“@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Yes. The expert report is written to be used in an amicable settlement or legal proceedings. It is enforceable against an insurer, a property management company (syndic), a contractor, or before a court.”}}]} PROPERTY LAW – SHARED BOUNDARIES Your neighbour planted Provence cypress trees along the property line and they’re casting shade on your garden. Or your laurel hedge is over 2 metres tall and your neighbour is complaining. What does the law say about planting distance and hedge height for shared boundaries on the French Riviera? LIMIT 2m 1m ≈ 2m (art. 671) 0.5m ## 1. Legal Planting Distance ![shared hedge height trimming planting distance french riviera - Cassini Expertise](https://cassini-expertise.fr/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/avant-achat-maison.webp) *Cassini Expertise – independent building expert* Article 671 of the French Civil Code requires a minimum distance of 2 metres from the boundary line for plantings taller than 2 metres. For plantings under 2 metres, the minimum distance is 0.5 metres. In [Nice](https://cassini-expertise.fr/nice-secheresse-argile-fissures-donnees-officielles/), in residential neighbourhoods such as Cimiez or Fabron, these rules are frequently invoked in neighbour disputes. ## 2. Maximum Hedge Height The maximum height of a shared hedge is not set by national law but by local custom and local urban planning regulations (PLU). On the French Riviera, many municipalities have specific rules. In Nice, the road regulations and the metropolitan PLU may impose different maximum heights depending on the zone. In residential (UD) zones, the height is often limited to 2 metres. ## 3. Trimming: Who Has to Cut? Article 672 of the Civil Code allows a neighbouring property owner to require that branches from their neighbour’s trees be cut back. However, they must bear the cost of the cutting themselves if the planting is jointly owned. If branches extend onto their property, they can compel the hedge owner to cut them back. ## 4. What to Do in Case of Disagreement with a Neighbour? If a neighbour refuses to cut back a hedge that’s too tall or too close to the boundary, the first step remains amicable: a registered letter citing Article 671 of the Civil Code and a reasonable deadline to comply. If there is no response, it is possible to bring the matter before the judicial court (or the court-appointed conciliator for lower-stakes disputes) to obtain an order to remove or reduce the planting. ### Case Study: Cypress Hedge in Cagnes-sur-Mer A hedge of Provence cypress trees planted 40 cm from the boundary, 4 metres tall, was blocking late-afternoon sunlight from a neighbouring garden. A joint on-site inspection measured the actual distance (0.40 m instead of the required 2 m) and the height. The report, based on Article 671 of the Civil Code, made it possible to obtain a reduction of the hedge without going through a lengthy lawsuit. ## 5. Thirty-Year Prescription: An Exception to Know If a planting has existed for more than 30 years without being contested, the neighbouring property owner can invoke acquisitive prescription and keep the planting as is, even if it doesn’t comply with Article 671. This is a common point of caution when buying older properties on the French Riviera, where hedges and trees sometimes date back several decades. ## FAQ **Can I cut the branches overhanging my property myself?** No: you cannot cut branches yourself – only roots and brambles that extend onto your land. For branches, you must formally notify the hedge owner to cut them (Art. 672 of the Civil Code). **Is an expert inspection report useful before starting proceedings?** Yes: it objectively documents the distance, height and age of the planting, which avoids disputes during amicable or legal proceedings and often speeds up resolution of the dispute. Have a similar situation in mind? [Contact us](https://cassini-expertise.fr/contact/) for a precise assessment of your neighbour dispute. An expert inspection can objectively document distances and heights to facilitate an amicable resolution or prepare your case for legal proceedings. 📅 **Updated on August 9, 2026** – By **Cassini Expertise**, independent building expert for the Alpes-Maritimes (06) & Var (83). Free quote: [04 22 46 06 04](tel:+33422460604). **To go further:** - [Neighbour Refuses to Pay for Shared Wall Repair in Marseille – Practical Remedies (Art. 655 Civil Code)](https://cassini-expertise.fr/reparation-mur-mitoyen-refus-voisin-recours-marseille-13/) - [Shared Ownership: Party Wall Rules and Common Disputes](https://cassini-expertise.fr/mitoyennete-les-regles-du-mur-mitoyen-et-les-litiges-frequents/) - [Shared Fence in Hyères: Who Pays for Installation and Maintenance? Rules by Zone (Art. 663 Civil Code)](https://cassini-expertise.fr/cloture-mitoyenne-hyeres-paiement-installation-entretien-regles-zone-83/) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the maximum height for a shared hedge on the French Riviera? The maximum height depends on local urban planning rules (PLU) and local custom. Generally, if the hedge is planted on the property line, it must respect a maximum height of 2 meters, unless a co-ownership regulation or easement states otherwise. On the French Riviera, some municipalities may impose lower heights to preserve views. ### Can I trim my neighbour’s hedge if they refuse? Yes, you can trim branches that overhang your property, but only up to your property line. You must first ask your neighbor’s permission, and if they refuse, you can bring the matter before the local court. It is forbidden to cut down your neighbor’s tree or hedge without their authorization. ### What planting distance is required for a shared hedge from the boundary line? If the hedge is planted on the boundary line, it is considered jointly owned and no distance is required. If it is planted set back from the line, the minimum distance is 0.5 meters for hedges under 2 meters tall, and 2 meters for hedges over 2 meters tall. These rules are set by the Civil Code and may be modified by the local PLU. **Further reading:** [Shared Hedge in Nice: Height, Trimming and Planting Distance – Article 671 Rules](https://cassini-expertise.fr/en/shared-hedge-nice-height-trimming-distance/) · [Shared Hedge in Nice: Height, Pruning & Planting Distance – Art. 671 Rules](https://cassini-expertise.fr/en/shared-hedge-nice-height-pruning-planting-distance/) · [Party Fence in Hyères: Who Pays for Installation and Maintenance](https://cassini-expertise.fr/en/party-fence-hyeres-installation-rules/) --- Source : https://cassini-expertise.fr/en/shared-hedge-height-trimming-distance-french-riviera/