This paper deals with radiative shocks from both theoretical and experimental viewpoints. First, experimental results obtained at Laboratoire d'Utilisation des Lasers Intenses (LULI) at high (E similar to 400 - 800 J) energies are presented. The modeling of these phenomena is mainly performed through numerical simulations (ID and 2D calculations). We compare simulations given by several radiative hydrodynamics codes and discuss numerical methods employed. The lateral radiative looses are examined. A major point for discussion is the physical data (EOS, ionization, opacities) included in these codes. It is shown that the radiative precursor length depends on the dimensionality of codes and on the opacities employed. Additional quantities (temperature of the shock, electron density in the precursor) are also calculated and good agreement is obtained with the experimental data.