Everything you need for daily life is within easy reach, making the village an ideal spot for both families and retirees.
Schooling System: As in all of France, public education is mandatory from age 3, with school typically not held on Wednesdays or Wednesday afternoons.
Nursery & Primary School | Ages 3 - 11: The village has its own École Primaire (Groupe Scolaire) - located right in the centre (Place Carnot).
Collège | Ages 11 - 15: Located in nearby Ahun (~10 mins), with a dedicated school bus service.
Lycée | Ages 15-18: in neighbouring towns, such as Gueret and Aubusson, as is common for small French villages. There is a free coach service there and back.
Doctor & Pharmacy: Found in Lavaveix-les-Mines or Ahun (~10 mins) or Gouzon (~15 mins).
Hospital: The main regional hospital (CH Guéret) is a 25-minute drive.
Local: The Thursday morning market in Lavaveix for fresh produce.
Bread: Lavaveix=Les-Mines has 2 boulangerie and there are others in Ahun, Aubusson and Gueret
Supermarkets: Small Vival store in Lavaveix-Les-Mines, Large Intermarché and Super U stores are located in Ahun and Aubusson (10-15 mins).
DIY/Home Improvement: Medium-sized Bricolage Gedimat in Lavaveix-les-Mines and several large Bricolage centres in Guéret or Aubusson for all your renovation needs.
Internet: The village is well-covered by high-speed broadband (Fibre rollout is extensive in the Creuse), making it a great location for remote workers.
There are 2 restaurants with bars and a restaurant in Lavaveix-les-Mines with others throughout all the nearby towns.
E.Leclerc Location – Guéret (~25 mins)
Phone: +33 (0)5 55 51 91 08
Address: 36-40 Avenue du Berry, 23008 Guéret
Note: This is the largest local branch with a wide range of cars and vans.
E.Leclerc Location – La Souterraine (~50 mins)
Phone: +33 (0)5 55 63 95 00
Address: Avenue Jean Jaurès, 23300 La Souterraine
Note: Perfect if you are taking the high-speed train from Paris and want to pick up a car immediately near the station.
Super U Location – Ahun (~10 mins)
Phone: +33 (0)5 55 62 44 23 (Main Store)
Address: Route d'Aubusson, 23150 Ahun
Note: This is your most local option. While smaller than Guéret, it is incredibly convenient for quick trips or moving large items.
Lavaveix-les-Mines follows an efficient local collection and recycling system, ensuring the village stays clean and green.
Household Waste (Brown Bins):
Collection Day: Usually Friday mornings.
Collection Point: At the edge of La Talc property on the far right looking from the road (to the right of the 'new' entrance.
Recycling:
Collection: Collect all your own recycling and drop off at communal "Points d'Apport Volontaire" (Green domes) located near the village centre and by the Ateliers de la Mine.
What goes in: Plastic, metal, glass, cardboard, and paper as well as clothes and textiles - far more items are recycled in France than in UK at present.
Local Déchèterie (Waste Disposal Centre,):
Nearest Site: Saint-Pardoux-les-Cards (on the RD 55 towards Chénérailles) — only about 5-7 minutes away!
Winter Hours (Sept 16 – June 14):
Monday: 08:00 – 12:00
Wednesday: 14:00 – 17:00
Saturday: 08:00 – 12:00
Summer Hours (June 15 – Sept 15): Extended hours on Saturdays.
Note: Access is free for residents; you just need to request a pass ("laissez-passer") from the Lavaveix Mairie.
Offer heating oil, premium heating oil, non-road diesel for professional engines, and regular diesel. We also deliver gas, coal, wood pellets, and, more recently, AdBlue, both retail and wholesale. We also have a gift section, and the "Miners' Cellar" offers a wide selection of wines, beers, liqueurs, and spirits.
Tree pruning and felling, specialising in difficult terrain. Also park and grounds maintenance
Drywall, painting, and insulation: we support you in your interior renovation projects.
Family-run funeral home offering personalised funeral services, funeral insurance, and monuments. Florist