This paper presents an original, comparative look on change through time of two valleys where recent archaeological and historical studies have unravelled the settlement dynamics between the Roman and Medieval periods. The chosen valleys respectively situated in North-Western Gaul and Central-Adriatic Italy (Picenum) will be analysed within the same methodological framework, with a particular emphasis on the role of central places. These urban and temporarily de-urbanised centres will be confronted with a focus on development, continuity, reoccupation and collapse. In particular the role of political and ecclesiastical authorities in the destiny of these places will be screened, as well as the importance of environmental and cultural landscape features (such as roads, bridges, river networks, sanctuaries ...). The longue durée perspective and the specific regional approach of both case studies allows a wider look on waves of change between Late Antiquity and the Xth century in parts of western Europe, confronting Mediterranean with Northwest European contexts.