The first phases of galaxy formation and evolution remain poorly understood and improved observational constraints are needed to test the theoretical picture and simulations. I will present the results from the VIMOS Ultra-Deep Survey (VUDS), one the latest among several surveys with VIMOS on the VLT. VUDS assembles an unprecedented sample of 7000 star-forming galaxies with spectra over the redshift range 2<z<6.5. The large satistically representative sample covers one square degree in the COSMOS, ECDFS and VVDS fields. Spectra and the wealth of multi-color photometry allow to measure unique features like the Lyman-alpha emission, the UV slope and other UV spectral lines like CIII or CIV, as well as to derive accurate physical parameters. I will discuss the most prominent results obtained so far, focusing on star formation activity with the evolution of the specific star formation rate, the evolution of the Ly-alpha properties, merging events, morphological evolution, as well as discuss specific populations identified like ultra-compact star-forming sources.