International audience ; Since the 1960's, the French urban sprawl, concomitant with the building of housing schemes, outskirts enlargement then suburban extension, has take an increasing importance. This urban slackening is perceived by persons in charge, families and enterprises, as an objective opportunity for a better access to lowest prices and to a new comfort (quality of life, more space, security). This kind of development costs nevertheless a lot and is at least anarchic because of a lack of global regulation at the urban areas scale. The appearance of the concept of sustainable development allowed a new perception of the urban sprawl control by the public authorities, first as a necessity then as an emergency. Several answers are asked: how is it possible to measure and to understand such a dynamic process? Which tools are able to control it if such a control is possible? We will try in a first time to define the urban sprawl across its terminology and its causes. After a quick historical briefing about its evolution, we will present observation tools for public authorities to set up special politics for a control of this urban sprawl. At last, we will ask us about the perspectives relatives to this question.