Laroche Airport

Brive–Souillac Airport (also known by its old name, Laroche) is not just a transit point, but a welcoming gateway to one of the most picturesque regions of France. Located amidst green hills at the junction of the Corrèze, Lot, and Dordogne departments, this modern aviation hub allows you to begin your journey without the stress and bustle typical of large capital hubs. The terminal's architecture blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, offering passengers bright, spacious halls and an atmosphere of tranquillity that sets the mood for relaxation from the very first minutes after landing.

The airport boasts several advantages that make it an excellent choice for tourists planning a route through the southwest of the country:

• Strategic Location: The airport is the ideal starting point for visiting the region's main attractions. It is less than an hour's drive to the medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, the famous Lascaux caves, or the picturesque village of Rocamadour.
• Speed and Comfort: Thanks to the terminal's compact size, all pre-flight formalities — from check-in to security screening — are completed very quickly. The absence of long queues allows you to arrive at the airport a little later, leaving more time to enjoy your holiday.
• Modern Infrastructure: Opened in 2010, the complex was designed with all the needs of modern travellers in mind. Intuitive navigation and convenient parking make your stay here as pleasant as possible.
• Scenic Views: Take-off and landing at this airport is a distinct aesthetic pleasure. Aircraft fly over the Dordogne River valley, revealing a stunning bird's-eye panorama of vineyards, castles, and green fields.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Laroche Airport (Brive-Souillac Airport), serving the city of Brive-la-Gaillarde. We recommend always checking the accuracy of the data on official resources before your trip.

• Official Website: aeroport-brive-vallee-dordogne.com
• Information Desk Phone: +33 5 55 22 40 00
• Address: Aéroport Brive Vallée de la Dordogne, 19600 Nespouls, France
• Email: contact@aeroport-brive-vallee-dordogne.fr
• Social Media: Follow airport news and updates on the official pages on Facebook and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all questions related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's baggage tracing service directly at the airport.
• Passenger Support: For consultations and assistance with general enquiries, please use the main airport information desk phone number.

Laroche Airport (Brive–Souillac Airport, BVE), serving the city of Brive-la-Gaillarde, is located approximately 13 km south of the city centre. There are several ways to reach it, each with its own specific features.

Taxi and Transfer is the most popular and reliable way to get to the airport. The journey from the city centre takes about 15-20 minutes. The cost of a taxi ride typically ranges from 30 to 45 euros, depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. You can order a car by phone or find one at designated ranks in the city. Another convenient option is to book a private transfer online in advance, which guarantees a fixed price and the timely arrival of the vehicle.

Currently, there is no direct and regular public transport connection (buses or trains) between the centre of Brive-la-Gaillarde and Laroche Airport. Occasionally, airlines organise shuttles for specific flights, so it is worth checking the availability of such a service when purchasing your ticket. Otherwise, travellers must rely on taxis or rental cars.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those planning to actively explore the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and the picturesque Dordogne River valley. Several international rental companies have counters within the airport building. Renting a car gives you complete freedom of movement throughout France. It is recommended to book a vehicle in advance online, especially during the peak tourist season, to ensure the best selection and more favourable rates.

For travellers arriving in their own or rented vehicles, convenient parking is provided at the airport. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal and offers options for both short-term and long-term parking at reasonable prices. This makes it convenient for those flying out for a few days or simply arriving to meet or see off passengers.

Laroche Airport (BVE), also known as Brive–Souillac Airport, is a modern and compact air terminal complex distinguished by its simple and clear structure. It consists of one passenger terminal that handles all domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, navigation here is extremely simple, and you will not have to worry about transferring between different buildings.

The terminal layout is very logical. The ground floor houses the arrivals area with baggage reclaim belts, flight check-in counters, and car rental offices. After check-in, passengers departing from the airport proceed to the departures area. Here, you must pass through pre-flight security screening, after which you enter the waiting lounge with boarding gates. Everything is located compactly and intuitively.

Completing all pre-flight formalities, such as check-in and security, usually does not take much time at Laroche Airport due to its small size and moderate passenger flow. Nevertheless, the standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport well in advance, at least 1.5–2 hours before departure. This will allow you to check in your luggage, have a coffee, and pass through security control without rushing.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the signs. All key areas — from check-in counters to boarding gates — are within sight or a short distance from each other. Since all operations are concentrated in one building, the risk of getting lost or confused is minimal. This makes Laroche Airport particularly convenient for those who value simplicity and speed of service.

The history of the airport in Brive-la-Gaillarde is essentially a story of transition from the old to the new. Although the code BVE is associated with the modern airport today, it was inherited from its predecessor, the Brive-Laroche Aerodrome (Aérodrome de Brive-Laroche), which served the region for many decades. The old airport had significant limitations: its short runway and location prevented it from accommodating larger aircraft and developing international connections.

A key moment in the region's aviation history was the decision to build a completely new, modern airport. Construction work on the new complex, known as Brive–Souillac Airport (Aéroport Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne), began in 2005. It was an ambitious project aimed at stimulating tourism and economic growth in the departments of Corrèze, Dordogne, and Lot.

The official opening of the new airport took place on 15 June 2010. On this day, all commercial flights were transferred from the old Laroche airport, which ceased operations. This transition marked a new era for the region. Thanks to modern infrastructure and a longer runway, BVE Airport was able to establish connections with major European cities, including Paris and London, which significantly increased its passenger traffic.

Since opening, the airport has not undergone major renovations, as it was originally built to modern standards. Its primary development has focused on expanding the route network and attracting new airlines. The airport's main achievement can be considered its successful role as a gateway to the picturesque Dordogne valley, making this beautiful corner of France much more accessible to international tourists.

One interesting fact lies in the name itself: the full name "Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne" was chosen specifically to highlight the tourism appeal and strategic location of the airport for travellers wishing to explore the famous castles, caves, and gastronomic delights of this region.

Laroche Airport (BVE), serving Brive-la-Gaillarde and its surroundings, is a modern and compact terminal where all conditions for a comfortable wait for your flight have been created. Passengers can have a snack or drink coffee in the restaurant located in the departure lounge. There is also a shop here where you can buy newspapers, travel goods, and souvenirs. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and special zones are provided for charging electronic devices.

For business travellers and those who value enhanced comfort, the airport is equipped with a business lounge (Espace Affaires). This is a quiet space where you can work or relax in a calm atmosphere before your flight. Additionally, the airport offers conference rooms for rent, equipped with everything necessary for meetings and events.

Laroche Airport is fully adapted to serve passengers with reduced mobility: escort services are provided, and there are ramps and specially equipped toilets. For assistance, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance of the need for special services. For travellers with small children, changing tables are provided in the restrooms. Although there is no dedicated medical centre in the terminal, in case of illness or an emergency, you should immediately contact any airport staff member. Financial services are limited to an ATM, so it is better to take care of currency exchange in advance.

Although there are no hotels on the airport grounds, there are many accommodation options to suit every taste and budget located a few minutes' drive away — from cosy guest houses to chain hotels. This allows you to conveniently plan your holiday or business trip by staying in close proximity to the terminal.

Laroche Airport (Brive-Souillac Airport, BVE), being a compact regional hub, offers convenient dining options concentrated in one location. You won't have to search long for a place to have a snack, as all infrastructure is located in the main hall, accessible to both departing and arriving passengers.

The primary and sole establishment at the airport is the restaurant "Le 8". It is located in the public area (landside), before passing through security control. This is a versatile venue that functions as a café and restaurant, offering passengers a varied menu depending on the time of day and their preferences.

For those in a hurry, "Le 8" offers a classic selection for a quick bite: aromatic coffee, fresh pastries (such as croissants), sandwiches, and various snacks. If you have time for a full lunch or dinner, you can order salads, hot dishes, and the traditional "dish of the day" (plat du jour) common in France. We recommend looking out for offers featuring local products, such as duck breast or dishes with walnuts, for which the region is famous.

Options for passengers with specific dietary requirements (such as Halal, vegetarian, or gluten-free) may be limited due to the small size of the establishment. However, the staff are usually willing to help and offer simple alternatives, such as a meat-free salad or an omelette. The price range in the restaurant is moderate, although, as in any airport, prices may be slightly higher than in the city.

The opening hours of "Le 8" are directly linked to the flight schedule — the establishment opens a few hours before departure and operates during aircraft arrivals. This makes it an ideal place to leisurely enjoy a cup of coffee before check-in or have a full dinner while waiting for your flight near the city of Brive-la-Gaillarde.

Travelling through a regional airport, such as Laroche Airport near the city of Brive-la-Gaillarde, is often more relaxed than through major international hubs. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, make use of these tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Laroche Airport is small and compact, so you won't have to walk kilometres through terminals. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before departure, especially if you need to check in luggage. Check-in and security procedures here usually go faster than in metropolises, but it is better to have a time buffer. To save time, check in for your flight online and save the boarding pass on your mobile device.

Luggage Rules. Hand luggage standards here are the same as throughout France and the EU. All liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. Check the exact weight and dimension limits for hand luggage with your airline in advance to avoid extra charges at the airport. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and other dangerous items.

Security Control and Seat Selection. After check-in, proceed to security control. Have your boarding pass and passport ready. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: window seats will offer you beautiful views of the Dordogne region during take-off and landing, while aisle seats provide more freedom of movement during the flight.

Transfers and Customs. Laroche Airport mainly handles direct flights. If you have a transfer planned, ensure it is booked on a single ticket. In the case of a self-transfer, you will likely have to collect your luggage and check in again. Customs control for flights within the Schengen Area is minimal, but for flights to countries outside it (e.g., the UK), passport control will be required.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the length of the delay and the flight destination, under EU laws (Regulation EU261), you may be entitled to drinks, meals, and, for long delays, hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts and documents to claim compensation if necessary.