The invention relates to alumina agglomerates of the type obtained by dehydrating an aluminium oxyhydroxide or hydroxide, agglomerating the alumina thus obtained, hydrothermally treating the agglomerates and calcinating same. Said agglomerates are characterised in that: the V.sub.37 .ANG. thereof is greater than or equal to 75 ml/100 g, preferably greater than or equal to 80 ml/100 g and, better still, greater than or equal to 85 ml/100 g; the V.sub.0.1 .mu.m thereof is less than or equal to 31 ml/100 g; and the V.sub.0.2 .mu.m thereof is less than or equal to 20 ml/100 g, preferably less than or equal to 15 ml/100 g and, better still, less than or equal to 10 ml/100 g. The invention also relates to a catalyst carrier, an intrinsic catalyst or an absorbent, in particular for use in the petroleum and petrochemical industry, comprising such alumina agglomerates. Moreover, the invention relates to methods for preparing said agglomerates.