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 percentage of water in the adsorbant being in the range 0 to 8% by weight and the adsorption temperature being from 25.degree. C. to 250.degree. C.; a desorption step employing a solvent selected from tetraline and its alkylated derivatives; a step for separating meta-xylene from the desorbant.