The invention concerns a process for separating meta-xylene from a hydrocarbon feed comprising isomers containing 8 carbon atoms, comprising: a step for bringing said feed into contact with a faujasite type zeolite adsorbant, the water content of the adsorbant being in the range 0 to 1% by weight and the adsorption temperature being from 160.degree. C. to 180.degree. C.; a desorption step employing a solvent selected from toluene, indane and mixtures thereof.