Using all wood-related data (archaeology, xylology, anthracology, dendro-typology and dendrochronology), methods of production and exploitation of forest resources in north-west Gaul in the Gallo-Roman period are described. Signs of technical adaptation to clear morphological and physiological changes appear during the five centuries encompassed by our study. They are apparently related to constraints due to human choice, the growing needs of towns and a forest ecosystem whose regeneration depended on economic requirements.