(57) Process for the removal of aromatic hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon vapour stream containing such aromatic hydrocarbons, which process comprises the steps of:

(1) contacting in an extractive distillation column the hydrocarbon vapour stream with an extracting solvent capable of selectively dissolving aromatic hydrocarbons,

(2) withdrawing at the upper portion of the extractive distillation column a vaporous raffinate having a reduced content of aromatic hydrocarbons,

(3) withdrawing from the bottom part of the extractive distillation column a liquid solvent stream, which has been enriched with aromatic hydrocarbons,

whereby at least one liquid comprising extracting solvent and aromatic hydrocarbons is withdrawn from the lower portion of the extractive distillation column and subsequently at least part of the liquid withdrawn is heated under such conditions that at least part of the aromatic hydrocarbons present in said liquid evaporates without substantial evaporation of the extracting solvent, after which the heated liquid/vapour stream is returned to the extractive distillation column.