Brive Vallée de la Dordogne Airport (BVE/LFSL): Your Essential Gateway to the Heart of Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Brive Vallée de la Dordogne Airport, commonly known by its IATA code BVE, is a modern, regional aviation hub strategically positioned in Nespouls, serving the beautiful Corrèze department and the wider Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of Southwest France. Located just 8 km south of the key city of Brive-la-Gaillarde, and centrally situated for accessing the famed Dordogne Valley, BVE offers a convenient and less congested alternative to larger French airports. With an annual passenger volume serving the crucial regional travel market, BVE is instrumental in connecting European travelers directly to one of France’s most cherished historical and natural landscapes.
Strategic Location and Regional Significance
BVE is perfectly situated for tourists and business travelers alike. The airport’s coordinates are 45° 2′ 25” N, 1° 29′ 0” E. Its primary appeal lies in its unparalleled proximity to the region’s top heritage sites. Travelers landing at BVE can quickly reach:
- The Dordogne Valley: Known for its majestic river, chateaux, and medieval towns like Sarlat-la-Canéda and Rocamadour, making it an ideal base for exploration.
- The Lascaux Caves: Home to world-famous prehistoric art, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major draw for cultural tourism.
- Brive-la-Gaillarde: A vibrant city offering local markets, historical architecture, and a rich culinary tradition.
This central location cements BVE’s role as the definitive entry point for exploring the rural, cultural, and gastronomic richness of Southwest France.
Airlines and Current Flight Network (Summer 2025 Season)
Brive Airport is primarily serviced by key European low-cost and regional carriers, ensuring cost-effective and direct access to major hubs. The current flight schedule for the 2025 season includes essential routes catering to both French domestic and international leisure travel:
| Airline | Destination | Route Type | Notes on Frequency |
| Ryanair | London (Stansted), UK | International | Operates throughout the summer season. |
| Ryanair | Porto (OPO), Portugal | International | Connecting Southwest France with Portugal’s second-largest city. |
| Ryanair | Brussels (Charleroi), Belgium | International (New Route) | A recently added route, expanding access to the Benelux region. |
| Air France (operated by Chalair) | Paris (Orly), France | Domestic | Provides crucial year-round connectivity to the French capital. |
Travelers are advised to check the official airport website for the most up-to-date and seasonal flight schedules.
Terminal Features and Passenger Comfort
BVE operates a single, efficient, and compact terminal designed for quick passenger flow. While not a major international hub, the airport provides a range of essential services to ensure a pleasant travel experience:
- Connectivity: Free, high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to stay connected.
- Food & Beverage: A dedicated Café offers light snacks, hot and cold beverages, and local pastries.
- Retail: Given its size, BVE does not feature duty-free shopping, focusing instead on rapid transit.
- Accessibility: The terminal provides full essential disabled access services, though travelers requiring special assistance are advised to pre-notify their airline. Dedicated assistance is provided upon request.
- Accommodation: Several highly-rated hotels and charming regional lodgings, such as Château de Castel Novel and Hôtel Le Collonges, are located within a short drive.
Seamless Ground Transportation from BVE
Getting from BVE to your final destination is efficient due to multiple transportation links and its close proximity to the A20 motorway.
- Bus Service: A limited but reliable bus service links the airport directly to the Brive-la-Gaillarde city center. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes and costs about 2 EUR, offering a budget-friendly option.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal. A ride to Brive city center is quick (approx. 10 minutes) and typically costs between 15 EUR and 20 EUR.
- Car Rental: Major rental agencies, including Enterprise and Hertz, operate desks at the airport, making it easy to pick up a vehicle for exploring the Dordogne region independently.
- Parking: BVE offers the significant benefit of free passenger parking, a rare convenience that appeals greatly to local and regional travelers.
Contact and Operational Information
For all inquiries regarding flights, services, or operations, please use the following contact details:
- Official Name: Aéroport Brive Vallée de la Dordogne
- Address: Nespouls, FRANCE
- Telephone: +33 5 55 22 24 00
- Official Website: www.aeroport-brive-vallee-dordogne.com
- IATA Code: BVE
- ICAO Code: LFSL