Abstract: A poly(vinyl alcohol) purification process is described, which includes heat treating a poly(vinyl alcohol) under agitation in an atmosphere unsaturated by water and with a water vapor mass content of 20 to 100%. The process of the invention may also include an additional drying step. A poly(vinyl alcohol) with an alcohol content, more particularly a methanol content, of lower than 1% and an ester content, more particularly a methyl acetate content, of lower than 1% is also described, which is provided in the form of flakes a few millimeters in size or of a powder with an average particle size advantageously higher than 600 .mu.m.