MoVNbTe mixed oxides have been prepared by both hydrothermal synthesis and slurry methods and have been tested in the selective oxidation of propane to acrylic acid. For comparative purpose, ternary metal oxides have also been prepared and tested. Characterisation results (X-ray diffraction and EPR) show important differences between the catalysts prepared hydrothermally and one prepared by a slurry method. The catalysts prepared hydrothermally show a higher activity and selectivity to acrylic acid than those prepared by slurry method. A reaction network for the partial oxidation reaction is tentatively proposed from the catalytic results obtained during the oxidation of propane and propylene on these catalysts.