This work deals with sea-level rise as biological, sedimentological and archeological indicators upon rocky and sedimentary coasts of Provence. This thesis is structured in three parts. In the first part, we analyse the rocky coasts characterized by Lithophyllum lichenoides rim. My project was aimed at studying this mid-littoral bioconstruction and their submerged remains. Both, present and older cornices, are monospecific and composed of strongly calcified thally. Older cornice remains have been created when relative sea-level was lower. Principal results, from radiocarbon datations of remains, show that relative sea-level rise was of 0,4 mm./year around 4500 and slowed off to 0,2 mm./year from around 1500 B.P. to present. In the second one, we examine and compare recent archeological excavations of the antique sites of Marseilles and Toulon. We used biological indicators of sea-levels as fossil intertidal barnacles (Balanus amphitrite ), emerged archeological structures now under the present 0 sea-level (wharfes, gutters, towing zones, roads...). An attempt is made to compare and interpret all the results in terms of relative sea level variation versus neotectonic mobility of the different sites. In the last part, we emphasize the anthropic impacts of Greek and Roman colonisations upon the littoral ecosystems of Marseilles ancient harbour. Before 3860 +/-130 B.P., the infralittoral zone is characterized by Maërl facies (Lithotamnium coralloides ) associated with a diversified fauna and flora. After this date, the Maërl facies dies, replaced by rapid slime sedimentation. This phenomenon is related to coastal settlements before antic urban and growth and intensive agricultural development. Finally, we propose, in annex, a summarized atlas of living Lithophyllum lichenoides bioconstructions.
