The role of the Alps in the Neolithisation of Europe. We propose a model for settlement trends in the Alpine region down to the Neolithic period within the context of the neolithisation of Europe, a model citing Mediterranean origins. The model attempts to go beyond descriptive accounts of settlement change, to try to provide a better understanding of the social and economic processes relevant in neolithisation. Concepts incorporated in the model include ecological niche, cultural transfers, ecological adaptation, demographic expansion, social constructs and social cohesion. The model is based on the new chronological framework of calibrated C14 dates established by J.-L. Voruz. In our model we distinguish four successions of settlement, as follows: 1) the exploitation of new territories by pioneering farmers and their initial contacts with indigenous hunters; 2) the establishment of the first permanent agricultural settlements in the region explored in 1); 3) the stabilisation of agricultural settlements marked by the reinforcement of the first settlements, especially by new settlements on the margins of the perialpine lakes; 4) the expansion and intensification of agricultural settlements, accompanied by diversification and social hierarchisation, technological intensification (copper metallurgy) and the development of long-distance exchange. This period witnessed a decline in Mediterranean contacts, while contacts with temperate Europe increased.