A Fergusonite-type phase of acceptor-doped lanthanum ortho-niobate La 1-x A x NbO 4 (A = Ca, Mg or Sr) has been synthesised by molten salt synthesis route. The high temperature behaviour and microstructure of samples doped by magnesium, calcium and strontium have been studied. The high temperature X-ray diffraction measurements in the temperature range from room temperature to 700 °C has been carried out. The scanning electron microscopy has been used to determine the samples microstructure and to compare the grain size of each material. The differences in the phase transition temperature and morphology of the samples, depending on the dopant, have been discussed.