Based on the author’s thesis, this detailed study analyses lithic assemblages from epipalaeolithic and mesolithic sites in southern and south-west France - sites such as Fontfaures, de la Balma de la Margineda and de Buholoup et de l'Abeurador. Philibert presents much of the data in tabular form and uses this to interpret patterns of use and human behaviour such as the equipment used for hunting, the different subsistence strategies practised and the role of certain sites in the exploitation of regions as a whole. French text.