After 20 years of reflection, 14 financial partners, three years of construction, a few « is it actually happenning? » rumours and a mere 46 million euros later a new airport is born - well almost. The new Brive-Souillac airport located in south-west France is scheduled to open its doors in between April and June 2008.

This is an airport with a very unique location as it is situated at the intersection of three departments each of which belongs to three different regions. The actual airport itself is situated in the department Corrèze (in the Limousin region) and within easy distances of the departments Lot (Midi-Pyrénées region) and the Dordogne (Aquitaine region). Not only does its name Brive-Souillac cross borders, but even its 2100m runway begins in the Lot and ends in the Corrèze. The airport also has a favourable location in terms of the road network as it is located near the crossing of the A20 up to Paris and A89 west across to Bordeaux.

Tourism near the airport

Brive-Souillac airport will serve what could be easily said to be one of the most beautiful and most visited of the tourist regions in France. It is blessed with the valley of the Dordogne to the east and the river Lot to the south with the popular Dordogne west of the airport. What brings charm to this part of France is that there are no major towns close by and therefore no heavy industries. There is simply a cluster of small towns and villages, some famous and others not so well known but just as equally charming.

Tourism in Corrèze

It boasts a generous sprinkling of the most beautiful villages in France. It currently has 6 of the classified 151 villages which belong to this elite club “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”. One of the members is Collonges la Rouge. It was in fact the Mayor of Collonges la Rouge, Charles Ceyrac, who in 1981 decided to serve a cause close to heart to protect and promote the outstanding heritage of such beautiful villages. In 1982 the association was made official and 66 mayors throughout France followed the example.

Collonges la Rouge at around 19km from the airport is a small and perfectly formed village. What is surprising about this village is its bright and rich red-stone properties. It is wonderfully preserved with pride by its 420 inhabitants with geraniums adorning the houses in every possible place - a true picture-postcard village. In the centre lies the church St Pierre with its Romanesque bell-tower dating back to the 12th century. The village is set upon the beautiful and luscious green countryside contrasting against the redness of the stone. This once used to be staging post for pilgrims on their way to Saint Jacques de Compostelle.

Tourism in Lot

One of the more famous villages includes “Rocamadour” situated in the Lot further south of Brive at 59km from the airport. This is no ordinary tourist site. It is a truly spectacular site set upon a ravine carved out by the river Alzou. In 1166 the relics of a hermit “Amadou” were discovered outside what is now known as the chapel of Miracles. The body which was so remarkably intact inspired the construction of its abbey built vertically on the cliff face and its castle perched on top. The Black Virgin located in the Chapel of Miracles has been and still is the highlight for the pilgrims who continue to visit the site from all four corners of the world. Up until this day miracles are said to have happened – which you are to judge for yourself! A long and windy staircase leads down to the village which although subject to tourism remains very well preserved and does not remove you from the spirituality and the wonder of the site itself. Certainly worth visiting for believers and non-believers.

ARCHITECTURE

The traditional properties in this area are built from natural stone with a creamy tint topped with red tiling. Often you will find “pigeonniers” to add to the charm. Properties also often come with a traditional “souillarde” typical of the area which is the kitchen with a vaulted ceiling and stone sink.

PROPERTY MARKET

Property prices in the Lot have been at their highest two years ago. This has meant that home buyers have turned to other less known destinations like the Aveyron to find lower priced properties. However there has been a slowdown in the market in the last 12 months which has resulted in property prices decreasing and making properties in the Lot much more affordable. Such slowdown makes it a good time to purchase in the area and more buyer power to negotiate.

Property prices in the Corrèze are significantly lower the the Lot and the Dordogne as the department is not as popular or heard of as its neighbours. However with accessibility to the department starting from late next spring house prices may rise.

IMPACT ON REGION AND PROPERTY MARKET

The new airport with its international destination will certainly play its role in promoting the attractive image of this region. It will have a significant impact in particular on small business in the tourism sector. A study shows that international passengers spend on average 560 euros per trip compared to national passengers spending 160 euros. The airport will also serve existing second home owners in the departments Dordogne, Lot and Corrèze. Although the Corrèze has by far the lowest number of British home owners at only 10 percent of the three departements. The Lot accounts for 28 percent and a huge 62 percent for the Dordogne.

What is certain is that property prices will rise with the arrival of the low-cost carrier into Brive-Souillac airport. Some experts believe that prices in the Corrèze will rise by 30 to 50 percent.

WHAT CAN YOU GET FOR YOUR MONEY

Here is an idea of how far your money will go in this area.

This is a pretty stone cottage with a garden set in a hamlet just south of Brive. The house does require some internal modernisation however the walls and roof are in good condition. It has a living room with a fireplace, a dining room, a cellar and 1 bedroom with further space in the attic which can be converted. This property is situated on the border of the Corrèze and the Lot just south of the new airport and would cost you 127 000 euros inclusive of agency fees.

For 267 000 euros you can purchase this spacious country house located again in the Lot just south of Brive. 40 m² living room, 25 m² kitchen, dining room, 6 bedrooms as well as further space to convert in the attic, 175 m² basement, laundry room and a garden.

Here is a truly charming property which includes a fully restored farmhouse, a gite and a large barn in good condition. It is set in peaceful countryside and surrounded by 2 hectares of meadow which are part of the property. The main property includes an open dining and kitchen area with fireplace of 45 m², an additional 20 m² lounge, 2 large bedrooms, mezzanine, laundry room and an unspoilt view. This would cost you 392 000 euros.

At 435 000 euros you don’t have to be a Hollywood film star to afford this fortified property. Located near a forest close to the Dordogne Valley this wonderful property is waiting to be snapped up. It includes the hallway within the tower, 45 m² kitchen and dining area, a lounge, attached barn and a terrace of 58 m². On the first floor you have the right wing with 3 bedrooms and the left wing with 3 bedrooms with bathroom. The icing on the cake is the bedroom on the second floor within the tower itself. However it needs modernisation with the installation of new bathrooms.

The airport with a capacity of 150 000 passengers per year will provide 2 daily flights with a low cost carrier to the UK, 3 daily flights to Paris and 2 flights to Lyon.

Scheduled to open in 2008 watch this space for news on its arrival. Although we don’t expect any delays - the French are often on time with civil engineering achievements if not early !

Nav Vilain
Selection Habitat
+33 5 65 70 10 49
www.selectionhabitat.com
info@selectionhabitat.com