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The action for reintegration cannot be
Droit Foncier

The action for reintegration cannot be

📅 Decision of 09 July 1984🔄 Updated on 6 October 2026⚖️ Cour de cassation👁️ 32 views📖 2 min read

The action for reintegration cannot be exercised in the case of discontinuous and non-apparent easements, as the violent dispossession on which it is based cannot be conceived in the absence of physical and current possession of the thing.

Reference decision: cc • No. 83-13.136 • 1984-07-09 • View decision →

This decision provides important insight into your property law. Here is what it changes for you.

The situation

The action for reintegration cannot be exercised in the case of discontinuous and non-apparent easements, as the violent dispossession on which it is based cannot be conceived in the absence of physical and current possession of the thing.

What the law says

This decision confirms the fundamental principles of property law.

Key takeaways

  • Strictly observe the statutory time limits for bringing an action
  • Keep all your supporting documents (title deeds, deeds, correspondence)
  • Anticipate: preventive advice always costs less than litigation

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📌 Does this apply to your situation? Maître Cécile Zakine, French real estate lawyer, practises throughout France.
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Legal information

  • Number: 83-13.136
  • Court: Cour de cassation
  • Decision of: 09 July 1984

Keywords

droit immobilierjurisprudencefoncier

Practical use cases

1

Blocked Occasional Farm Access in Dordogne

Sophie, a first-time buyer in Sarlat-la-Canéda, purchased a farmhouse with an informal right to use a track across a neighbour's field to reach her barn twice a year for hay collection. The neighbour suddenly erected a gate, denying Sophie access, and she immediately filed a ‘action for reintegration’ (a fast-track legal procedure to restore possession after a violent or clandestine ousting) at the Bergerac court.

Practical application:

The 1984 Court of Cassation decision clarifies that reintegration actions are not available for discontinuous (requiring human action each time) and non-apparent (not physically visible) easements like this seasonal right of way. Sophie cannot use this swift remedy because she never had continuous physical possession of the track—only occasional use. She should instead pursue a standard possessory action (within one year) to prove her longstanding usage, or negotiate a formal easement deed with the neighbour to secure permanent access.

2

Underground Sewage Pipe Dispute in Nice

Mr. Laurent, a landlord in Nice, owns a villa with a sewage pipe running discreetly beneath a neighbouring property, used only during heavy rains every few months. The neighbour capped the pipe without notice, causing flooding in Laurent’s garden, and Laurent immediately sought a ‘référé’ (emergency court order) for reintegration at the Grasse tribunal.

Practical application:

Under this ruling, a drainage easement like this is both discontinuous (flows only during rainfall) and non-apparent (hidden underground), so a reintegration action cannot succeed because there is no ongoing physical possession of the easement. Laurent must refrain from emergency reintegration procedures and instead file an ordinary lawsuit to establish his servitude right by title or prescription, while documenting the blockage damage for compensation. He should also check his property deed for any recorded easement.

3

Co-ownership Terrace Access Roadblock in Lyon

In a Lyon co-ownership building, Marie had a long-standing informal right to cross a neighbouring owner’s roof terrace to reach her flat’s only outdoor space, used solely on sunny weekends. The neighbour locked the access door, and Marie immediately applied to the Lyon court for a reintegration order, claiming violent dispossession of her access.

Practical application:

Because this easement is discontinuous (used only on weekends) and non-apparent (no physical path or signage), the court will reject the reintegration action—Marie never had ‘current and physical possession’ of the rooftop itself. Her remedy is to demonstrate continuous and peaceful use over 30 years to claim a servitude by prescription, or to seek an amicable settlement with the neighbour. She should gather evidence (photos, witness statements) of past use and consult a lawyer before initiating formal proceedings.

Maître Cécile Zakine

About the author

Maître Cécile Zakine — Lawyer at the Alpes-Maritimes Bar, Doctor of Law. Every article in this magazine is based on the analysis of a real court decision, commented and put into perspective by Maître Zakine’s team.

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Disclaimer: The analysis presented on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personalised legal advice. For advice tailored to your situation, contact a qualified lawyer.

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