The invention concerns a process for regenerating a catalyst for the production of aromatic compounds, in particular for reforming, comprising combustion (A), oxychlorination (B) and calcining (C) steps, in which at least one chlorinating agent (conduit 19), at least one oxygen-containing gas (conduit 18), and water (conduit 20) are introduced into the oxychlorination step such that the H.sub.2 O/HCl molar ratio is 3 to 50, the oxychlorination step being carried out in the presence of an oxychlorination gas containing less than 21% of oxygen and at least 50 ppm by weight of chlorine (based on HCl), and at a temperature of 350-600.degree. C.