Brive Souillac airport

Overview

Brive-Souillac Airport (also known as Brive–Vallée de la Dordogne Airport) is a small international airport serving the historic regions of Périgord and the Dordogne Valley in southwestern France. Located in the commune of Nespouls in the Corrèze department, the airport primarily handles seasonal leisure traffic, connecting the area to several European destinations, particularly the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is a popular gateway for tourists visiting the Dordogne's prehistoric caves, medieval villages, and vineyards, as well as for second-home owners and business travellers attending events in nearby Brive-la-Gaillarde.

The airport opened in 2010 and quickly became a convenient alternative to larger hubs such as Bordeaux, Limoges, and Toulouse. It is classified as an international airport and is equipped to handle narrow-body aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. Despite its modest size, the airport offers a handful of scheduled and charter flights, mainly during the summer season.

Location & Access

Brive-Souillac Airport lies about 15 kilometres south of Brive-la-Gaillarde, the main city in the Corrèze department, and roughly 30 kilometres north of Sarlat-la-Canéda, a famous medieval town in the Dordogne. The airport's address is Aéroport Brive Vallée de la Dordogne, 19600 Nespouls, France.

By Car – The most common way to reach the airport is by car. The A20 autoroute (exit 51 for Nespouls) runs nearby, connecting Brive to Limoges and Toulouse. Parking is available on-site, including a wheelchair-accessible car park close to the terminal.

By Taxi or Rideshare – Taxis are available at the airport for arrivals, and rideshare services like Uber may operate, though availability can be limited. Pre-booking is recommended, especially during peak hours (9–10 am) when flights are scheduled.

By Bus – There is no direct public bus service to the airport. However, a shuttle bus (Navette Aéroport) operates to and from Brive-la-Gaillarde train station on days with flights. The journey takes about 20 minutes. Timetables are coordinated with flight arrivals and departures.

By Train – Brive-la-Gaillarde station is on the main Paris–Toulouse railway line (TGV and Intercités). From the station, travellers can take a taxi or the airport shuttle to reach the airport.

Cycling or Walking – The airport is located in a rural area and is not recommended for pedestrians or cyclists due to limited footpaths.

Facilities

The terminal at Brive-Souillac is compact but includes essential amenities for a comfortable journey. All confirmed facilities are wheelchair-accessible, ensuring equal access for passengers with reduced mobility.

• Wi-Fi – Free wireless internet is available throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to stay connected while waiting.
• Accessibility – The airport provides a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, and toilets. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are clearly signposted.
• Toilets – Standard toilet facilities are located near the check-in area and departure lounge. A baby changing table is available in at least one restroom.
• Other Services – The airport does not have a restaurant or café within the terminal, but vending machines offer drinks and snacks. There are no duty-free shops or lounges; the small size means services are limited.

Note that the airport is not open every day; it typically opens only on days with scheduled flights. Most flights depart in the morning, with peak passenger traffic between 9 and 10 am. Passengers are advised to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before departure for international flights.

About the Region

The Dordogne region, officially known as Périgord, is one of France's most picturesque areas, famous for its prehistoric caves, medieval castles, and gastronomy. The Vallée de la Dordogne (Dordogne Valley) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a top destination for history enthusiasts, food lovers, and outdoor adventurers.

Prehistoric Sites – The nearby Lascaux caves (about 50 km east of the airport) contain some of the most well-preserved Palaeolithic cave paintings in the world. Other notable sites include the Font-de-Gaume cave and the National Museum of Prehistory in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac.

Medieval Villages – Sarlat-la-Canéda, Rocamadour, and Domme are just a short drive from the airport. These hilltop villages with narrow cobblestone streets are beloved for their architecture and markets.

Food and Wine – The region is renowned for foie gras, truffles, walnuts, and Bergerac wines. Weekly markets in Brive and Sarlat are excellent for sampling local produce.

Outdoor Activities – The Dordogne River offers canoeing, fishing, and swimming. Hiking and cycling trails criss-cross the countryside, including the GR 36 long-distance footpath.

Brive-la-Gaillarde itself is a lively market town with a medieval centre, the Collégiale Saint-Martin church, and the famous Brive Festival held each summer.

The airport's location makes it an ideal gateway for exploring the wider Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, including the Lot and Corrèze departments. The area is also popular with British and Irish expatriates and second-home owners, which explains the direct flights from the UK and Ireland.

Practical Information

• Airport Code: BVE (IATA), LFSL (ICAO)
• Address: Aéroport Brive Vallée de la Dordogne, 19600 Nespouls, France
• Phone: +33 5 55 22 40 00
• Website: http://www.aeroport-brive-vallee-dordogne.fr/
• Hours: The airport is not open daily. It opens for flight operations only, usually in the morning (peak between 9–10 am). Check the website for the current schedule.
• Parking: The car park is free of charge for short stays. Wheelchair-accessible spaces are available.
• Currency: Euro (EUR). ATMs are available at the airport, but exchange services are not.
• Languages: French and English are widely spoken at the airport.

For real-time flight information and any changes to opening hours, it is best to consult the official website or call the airport directly.