A two-scale model for the wave equation with periodic coefficients is formu
lated. It has been derived using an asymptotic method based on a two-scale
convergence and on the Bloch waves decomposition. The homogenized wave equa
tion and the Bloch waves expansion are particular cases of this new formula
tion. (C) 2000 Academie des sciences/Editions scientifiques et medicales El
sevier SAS.