Introduction. The quantitative volatile compound composition of bananas (Musa acuminata, AAA group, Cavendish subgroup) was investigated in two different cultivars (Robusta and Grande Naine) grown at two different altitudes [(90 and 500) m], and ripened at two different maturity stages (color grades 5 and 7). Materials and methods. Volatile compounds were separated and identified by coupled capillary gas liquid chromatography / mass spectrometry. After evaluating changes in volatile composition during ripening, the effect of both growth altitude and cultivar was examined. Results and discussion. For a partially mature fruit, the growth altitude showed different effects on the two cultivars. The Robusta cv. exhibited a higher aroma volatile compound concentration at high altitude, while that of the Grande Naine cv. was higher at low altitude. At the fully mature stage, this difference still existed but was not so distinct. Conclusion. Whatever the ripening stage, Robusta cv. exhibited the highest aroma volatile compound concentration. Discriminate sensory analysis closely related to differences in the volatile composition of samples.