Two of the major questions in Astrophysics today are the understanding of the  cosmological world model and the formation and evolution of galaxies. Observational cosmology is a fundamental pilar which brings serious constraints of different theories and simulations and allows the derivation of a coherent evolution scenario.

Measuring the position of galaxies in space and along cosmic time, and their physical properties, is a key element in exploring the universe.  I will describe the recent progress in  deep galaxy redshift surveys, particularly at the European Southern Observatory Very Large Telescope (VVDS, VIPERS, VUDS...). These aim to measure  the spectra of large samples in large volumes  at high redshifts z>~1, and  derive a fundamental quantity, the redshift,  as well as the physical  quantities describing each galaxy. I will describe the measurements of the clustering of galaxies which provide new constraints on the growth of structure and the geometry of universe, hence ultimately on the cosmological world model. I will revisit the current understanding of the evolution of galaxies, and the assembly of galaxies at early cosmological times. Finally, I will discuss the plans for next generation redshift surveys including the Japanese Subaru SUMIRE-PFS project and European Space Agency Euclid mission.