Laroche Airport

Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne 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 among the green hills at the junction of the departments of Corrèze, Lot, and Dordogne, this modern aviation hub allows you to start your journey without the stress and bustle typical of large metropolitan hubs. The terminal architecture is harmoniously integrated into the surrounding landscape, offering passengers bright, spacious halls and an atmosphere of tranquility that sets the mood for relaxation from the first minutes after landing.

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

• Strategic location: The airport is in an ideal spot to start a journey to the region's main attractions. From here, it's 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: Due to the compact size of the terminal, all pre-flight formalities — from registration to security — are very fast. The absence of long queues allows you to arrive at the airport a bit later, leaving more time to enjoy your vacation.
• Modern infrastructure: Opened in 2010, the complex was designed with all the needs of modern travelers in mind. Intuitive navigation and convenient parking make staying here as pleasant as possible.
• Scenic views: Taking off and landing at this airport is a separate aesthetic pleasure. Planes fly over the Dordogne River valley, revealing a stunning panorama of vineyards, castles, and green fields from a bird's-eye view.

For your convenience, we have collected the main contact information for Laroche Airport (Brive-Souillac Airport), serving the city of Brive-la-Gaillarde. We recommend always checking the relevance 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 the airport's news and updates on the official pages on Facebook and Instagram.
• Lost baggage information: For all questions related to lost or damaged baggage, you must contact your airline's baggage tracing service at the airport directly.
• Passenger support service: For consultations and assistance with general questions, use the main phone number of the airport's information desk.

Laroche Airport (Brive–Souillac Airport, BVE), serving the city of Brive-la-Gaillarde, is located approximately 13 km south of its center. It can be reached in several ways, each of which has its own characteristics.

Taxi and transfer is the most popular and reliable way to get to the airport. A trip from the city center will take about 15-20 minutes. The cost of a taxi ride is usually between 30 and 45 euros, depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. You can order a car by phone or find one at special stands in the city. Another convenient option is to pre-book a private transfer online, which guarantees a fixed price and timely car delivery.

Currently, there is no direct and regular public transport connection (buses or trains) between the center of Brive-la-Gaillarde and Laroche Airport. Sometimes airlines organize shuttles for specific flights, so it's worth checking the availability of such a service when buying a flight ticket. Otherwise, travelers have to rely on taxis or a rented car.

Car rental is an excellent choice for those planning to actively explore the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and the scenic Dordogne River valley. Several international rental companies have desks in the airport building. By renting a car, you get full freedom of movement across France. It is recommended to book a car in advance via the internet, especially during the peak tourist season, to ensure the best choice and more favorable rates.

For travelers arriving in their own or a rented car, the airport provides convenient parking. 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 who are flying away for a few days or have just come to meet or see someone off.

Laroche Airport (BVE), also known as Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne, is a modern and compact airport complex characterized by a simple and clear structure. It consists of one passenger terminal, which serves all domestic and international flights. Thanks to this, navigation here is extremely simple, and you won't have to worry about transfers between different buildings.

The terminal layout is very logical. On the first floor, there is an arrivals area with a baggage claim belt, check-in desks, and offices of car rental companies. After check-in, passengers departing from the airport proceed to the departures area. Here you need to pass through pre-flight security, after which you enter the waiting lounge with boarding gates. Everything is located compactly and intuitively.

Passing all pre-flight formalities, such as check-in and security, at Laroche Airport usually doesn't take much time due to its small size and moderate passenger traffic. 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 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 desks 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, in essence, a history of transition from the old to the new. Although the BVE code is associated with a modern airport today, it was inherited from its predecessor, the Brive-Laroche Airfield (Aérodrome de Brive-Laroche), which served the region for many decades. The old airport had significant limitations: its short runway and location did not allow it to accept larger aircraft and develop international connections.

A key moment in the region's aviation history was the decision to build a completely new, modern airport. Construction of the new complex, known as Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne 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 June 15, 2010. On this day, all commercial flights were transferred from the old Laroche Airport, which ceased its operations. This transition marked a new era for the region. Thanks to its modern infrastructure and longer runway, BVE Airport was able to establish connections with major European cities, including Paris and London, which significantly increased its passenger traffic.

Since its opening, the airport has not undergone major renovations, as it was originally built to modern standards. Its main development has been 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, which has made 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 emphasize the tourist appeal and strategic location of the airport for travelers 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 comfortable flight waiting are created. Passengers can have a snack or coffee at the bar-restaurant located in the departure lounge. There is also a shop here where you can buy press, travel goods, and souvenirs. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport, and special zones are provided for charging electronic devices.

For business travelers and those who value increased comfort, a business lounge (Espace Affaires) is equipped at the airport. This is a quiet space where you can work or relax in a calm environment before the flight. In addition, the airport offers conference rooms for rent, equipped with everything necessary for meetings and events.

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

Although there are no hotels on the airport territory itself, many accommodation options for every taste and budget are located a few minutes' drive away — from cozy guest houses to chain hotels. This allows you to conveniently plan your vacation or business trip by staying in the immediate vicinity of the terminal building.

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

The main and only establishment at the airport is the "Le 8" restaurant-bar. It is located in the public area (landside), before passing through security control. This is a versatile place that functions as a cafe, bar, 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 set for a quick snack: aromatic coffee, fresh pastries (e.g., croissants), sandwiches, and various snacks. If you have time for a full lunch or dinner, you can order salads, hot dishes, and a traditional French "dish of the day" (plat du jour). We recommend paying attention to offers with local products, such as duck breast or dishes with walnuts, for which the region is famous.

Options for passengers with special dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free dishes) may be limited due to the small size of the establishment. However, staff are usually ready to help and offer simple options, such as a salad without meat or an omelet. 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 the arrival of aircraft. This makes it an ideal place to have a leisurely cup of coffee before check-in or a full dinner while waiting for your flight near the city of Brive-la-Gaillarde.

Traveling through a regional airport like Laroche Airport near the city of Brive-la-Gaillarde is often calmer than through large international hubs. To make your trip go smoothly, use these tips.

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

Baggage rules. Hand luggage standards here are the same as in all of France and the EU. All liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in one transparent bag. Check the exact weight and size 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.

Passing control and seat selection. After check-in, go to security control. Have your boarding pass and passport ready. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: window seats will give you beautiful views of the Dordogne region during takeoff and landing, while aisle seats will provide more freedom of movement during the flight.

Transfers and customs. Laroche Airport mainly serves direct flights. If you have a transfer planned, make sure it is issued as a single ticket. In the case of a self-transfer, you will likely have to pick up 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 direction, under EU laws (Regulation EU261), you may be entitled to drinks, food, and for long delays — hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts and documents to request compensation if necessary.