Getting Here

Moving to our "hidden gem" in the Creuse doesn't mean being cut off from the world.

✈️ Getting Here

Lavaveix-les-Mines is remarkably accessible, offering the perfect balance of rural seclusion and excellent transport links.

• By Air:

  • Limoges Airport (LIG): ~1 hour 15 mins drive. Regular flights from UK hubs (London, Bristol, Manchester).

  • Clermont-Ferrand Airport (CFE): ~1 hour 10 mins drive.

  • Poitiers Airport (PIS): ~2 hours 15 mins drive.

• By Rail:

  • Gare de Lavaveix-les-Mines: The village has its own station! It connects to the regional TER network, taking you to Limoges or Aubusson.

  • Gare de La Souterraine: ~50 mins drive. A major hub with high-speed connections; you can be in Paris in just over 2.5 hours.

• By Car:

  • Easily reached via the N145 (Route Centre-Europe Atlantique), which connects the village to the major North-South motorways (A20 and A71).

🚗 Hire Cars & Local Rentals 

💡Visitor Tip: While airport rentals are convenient, local residents often use the E.Leclerc in Guéret or Super U in Ahun for incredibly cheap car and van hire (starting from ~€10/day + km). It's a great way to stay mobile for less!

💡Visitor Tip: Book Online: It is highly recommended to book via the E.Leclerc Location website or the U Location website in advance to ensure availability, especially for small cars which sell out fast.

💡Visitor Tip: The "Deposit" (La Caution): French supermarkets usually require a deposit held on a credit card (often between €500 and €1,500 depending on the car).

🛒 Supermarket Hire: E.Leclerc & Others

Supermarkets like E.Leclerc, Super U, and Intermarché offer "Location" (hire) services that are famous for their low daily rates.

• E.Leclerc Location:

  • The Deal: Rates often start as low as €5–€10 per day for a small city car (like a Renault Clio), plus a cost per kilometer (usually around €0.20–€0.30/km).

  • Best For: Short trips or if you aren't driving massive distances.

  • The Catch: You usually have to return the car to the same store. It’s perfect for friends or family visiting you in Lavaveix who can be picked up from the station and then go get their own "wheels" locally.

  • Requirements: You’ll need a valid license (held for at least 1–3 years), ID, and a credit card for a deposit (which can be €500–€1,200).

  • Local Branch: The nearest major E.Leclerc with a rental desk is in Guéret (~25 mins away).

• Super U / Intermarché:

  • Similar to Leclerc, Super U in Ahun (~10 mins away) often has vans and sometimes small cars available. This is incredibly handy for buyers who might need a van to move furniture into the house!

✈️ Cheap Hire at the Airports

If you are flying into Limoges (LIG) or Clermont-Ferrand (CFE), you’ll find the big international brands, but there are ways to keep the cost down.

• Best "Budget" Brands: Look for Keddy (Europcar’s budget arm), Flizzr (Sixt’s budget brand), or Thrifty.

• Limoges Airport: Prices for a small car typically range from £30–£50 per day.

• Pro Tip: Booking 4 weeks in advance is usually the "sweet spot" for the lowest prices. Avoid "last minute" at airport desks as the price can double.

🚆 Hire at the Train Stations

If you take the train to La Souterraine (the nearest major high-speed hub), you have a few specific local options:

• CarGo (La Souterraine): A smaller French rental company often located near stations. They are usually more flexible and cheaper than the global giants. Rates for a compact car are around €29–€39 per day (with 300km included).

• Europcar / Avis: Both have presence near the main stations, but always check if they have a "Key Box" for out-of-hours returns if your train is late!