The invention relates to a method for opening a movable panel of a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps of: - detecting the approach of a person (U) in the vicinity of the vehicle (V) by a detection device (3), - identifying if the detected person (U) is authorized to unlock the vehicle (V) through authentication means, - determining if there is an intention to open the movable panel (7), and - authorizing the opening of the movable panel (7) when an authorized person (U) with an intention to open the movable panel is detected. According to the invention, the step of determining if there is an intention to open the movable panel (7), comprises the sub-steps of: - projecting at least a first light spot (12a) on the ground on which the motor vehicle (V) stands, - projecting at least a second light spot (12b) on the ground on which the motor vehicle (V) stands with a predefined distance from the first light spot (12a), - identifying if the identified authorized person (U) performs a predefined triggering sequence: by stopping in a predetermined order on the first light spot (12a) and then on the second light spot (12b) and with a predefined time interval between the step of stopping on the first light spot (12a) and the step of stopping on the second light spot (12b). The invention also relates to an associated opening control device (1).