The present invention concerns a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) in the form of any one of its stereoisomers or mixtures thereof, and wherein the dotted line may represents an additional bond and Ra represents a hydrogen atom or a Si(Rb)3 or (Rb)2COH group, each Rb representing C1-6 alkyl group or a phenyl group. The invention concerns also the compound (I) as well as its use for the synthesis of β-santalol or of derivatives thereof.