Method for controlling access in at least one secure space closed by at least one access element provided with a locking device, said method consisting in performing, using an access control device comprising at least one communicating portable unit intended to be carried by a user and at least one access control reader dedicated to said access element and intended to be connected to the corresponding locking device, the following access control steps: - a search step in which the access control reader emits a search wave in a given zone, called scanning zone , - a connection step in which a communicating portable unit situated within the scanning zone picks up the search wave and connects to the access control reader by wireless link, - an authentication step in which the communicating portable unit thus connected communicates authentication information to said access control reader which delivers, or does not deliver, on the basis of this information, a right of access to said communicating portable unit , - if a right of access has been delivered by the access control reader , an instruction step in which the access control reader modifies the locking state of the access element to which it is connected following the reception by said access control reader of information commanding activation of the locking device to modify the locking state of the access element , said command information being generated automatically following at least one action of the user, the method being characterized in that it also consists, following the connection step, from the access control device in which the access control reader comprises a presence detection device , preferably comprising a radar and/or a camera, said presence detection device being capable of detecting a distancing and, as appropriate, also an approach of the user with respect to said access control reader : as soon as the presence detection device detects a distancing of the user , as long as the distancing is detected or for a predetermined period, in automatically and substantially instantaneously disconnecting the access control reader from the communicating portable unit . - a search step in which the access control reader emits a search wave in a given zone, called scanning zone , - a connection step in which a communicating portable unit situated within the scanning zone picks up the search wave and connects to the access control reader by wireless link, - an authentication step in which the communicating portable unit thus connected communicates authentication information to said access control reader which delivers, or does not deliver, on the basis of this information, a right of access to said communicating portable unit , - if a right of access has been delivered by the access control reader , an instruction step in which the access control reader modifies the locking state of the access element to which it is connected following the reception by said access control reader of information commanding activation of the locking device to modify the locking state of the access element , said command information being generated automatically following at least one action of the user, <EOS>