Both France and Germany are under great pressure to evolve and adapt to new forms of urbanity and to design alternative strategic approaches in the context of limited public finances and the need for economic performance. These challenges do not affect all types of urban areas in the same way. This book aims to address this situation by considering the context of national urban systems in both countries. Since it was impossible to address all relevant issues of spatial development of urban and rural areas, the authors have focused on a number of important current issues that are undoubtedly relevant in both countries, albeit in different ways, and that could be significant for comparison. The focus is thus on topics related to metropolises, small and medium-sized cities, as well as current issues of urbanity, sustainability, smart cities, transport and mobility, and the role of cross-border urban development. The structure of the chapters is designed accordingly. In addition to scientific and theoretical approaches, the authors also consider the practical planning perspective and methodological aspects in each case. They mainly address three relevant factors: the differences between the two institutional systems, the development paths and historical constants, and the way new challenges are met on both sides of the border.

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