Introduction - This study presents trends in mortality due to HIV infection since 1987 and, for the period 2000–2006, the characteristics of deaths among people living with HIV. Methods - The data are drawn from the national statistics on causes of death, compiled annually by the CépiDc at Inserm. The study examines HIV as the primary cause of death between 1987 and 2006 and as a multiple cause (primary and associated) for the period 2000–2006. Results - Between 1987 and 2006, mortality due to the infection followed three distinct phases, with the final phase between 2000 and 2006 showing a trend toward stability. Deaths occur predominantly among men, but the proportion of female deaths is increasing. Young adults aged 25–34 are now rarely affected by deaths compared to the late 1980s, and, unlike other age groups, mortality is increasing among those aged 45–54. In 2006, 809 deaths were reported as related to HIV infection, primarily in connection with infectious and parasitic diseases. In 330 deaths, HIV infection was present but was not the primary cause of death: cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and violent deaths were involved. Conclusion - The dramatic decline in HIV-related deaths after the late 1980s in mainland France is the result of improved treatments and prevention efforts. The increasingly diverse nature of causes of death necessitates broadening prevention efforts to include risk factors for the HIV-negative population (lifestyle, tobacco, alcohol, obesity, etc.) in addition to HIV-specific prevention. (R.A.)