The subject of the present invention is a process for the synthesis of C1-C10 alkyl (meth)acrylates, by direct esterification of the (meth)acrylic acid by the corresponding alcohol, the reaction being carried out in a fixed bed membrane reactor under conditions in which the water generated by the reaction is eliminated from the reaction mixture as it is formed. The process according to the invention may operate under conditions for which the reagents are not in excess, thereby minimizing the size and energy of the equipment for separation/recycling of the streams generated during the purification of the reaction medium.