A detailed study of Neolithic rock paintings in southern France, the majority of which lie to the east of the Rhone. Hameau discusses the theoretical and methodological aspects of studying schematic figures and motifs before presenting a large inventory of sites where each is described in terms of its location and situation, and in terms of the art found there. His final analysis of the art, the association between figures, animals and motifs, and the use of space, convince him that there was a set of precise rules followed by those who created the art. French text, short English summary.