In situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was used to investigate structural evolutions of LaCoO 3 catalysts and then further modified by palladium (Pd) addition, under various controlled atmospheres, particularly during the reduction of NO by hydrogen in lean conditions. Complementary, XPS measurements provided information about changes in the chemical environments of Pd, Co and nitrogen during sequential temperature-programmed reactions. A preactivation thermal treatment under hydrogen led to the destruction of the perovskite structure while in the course of the NO+H 2 +O 2 reactions, the regeneration of the perovskite structure evidenced by XRD at 873 K started at lower temperature (573 K) at the surface. Palladium has been incorporated in order to evidence its effective role in the surface modifications of LaCoO 3 and its consequence on the catalytic activity.