This paper compares the modal analysis of reinforced-concrete buildings obtained using sensitive velocimeters and coherent LIDAR. Ambient vibrations are recorded by these two systems and processing using operative modal analysis method for getting building frequency and mode shapes. Real-scale trials applied to five buildings located at Grenoble (France) are presented. The efficiency and reliability of the Lidar is discussed and the modal parameters measured by Lidar at a range of 200m and by in-situ velocimeters are compared. The results are in good agreement and allow us to conclude on the ability of the coherent Lidar to assess modal parameters of existing buildings at long range and without any retroreflectors placed on the structures. The results open new perspectives for remotely testing buildings, without getting inside, facilitating dynamic analysis of buildings for earthquake engineering applications.