This Geography thesis explores contemporary migration trends affecting rural areas of French middle mountains such as Diois (Drôme), Morvan (Nièvre) and Séronais (Ariège) regions. It is based on the north American concept of "amenity migration", as a key for a better understanding of the on-going process. The first part (Chapter I, II and III) provides an overview of the mechanism of "rural renaissance" and the development of residential migration in rural areas of the middle mountains. The second part (Chapter IV to VII) is devoted to a qualitative analysis of the actors of these migrations (active, retired, living in social uncertainty and northern European migrants), their motivations and their settlement criteria in middle mountains. The third part (Chapter VIII to IX) focuses on the territories as such. It points out the social and spatial reshaping associated with these arrivals, in both a development perspective and as an attempt to take into account the potential elements of tension and weakening for local societies. Finally, this thesis examines how those new stakes are taken into account by local rural policies, particularly in terms of attractiveness.
