The method makes it possible to locate a radio terminal able to communicate with a plurality of radio base stations associated with respective cells under the supervision of at least one radio network controller receiving data intended for locating the terminal, at least one of the cells comprising predetermined cell portions. The base station associated with this cell comprises means for estimating a cell portion where the radio terminal is situated and for focussing signals for communications with the radio terminal selectively in this estimated radio cell portion. The method comprises steps of transmitting from the base station associated with the cell to the radio network controller at least one parameter intended for the locating of the terminal and relating to the estimated cell portion, and locating the radio terminal as a function of at least this parameter relating to the estimated cell portion.