Brive-la-Gaillarde is a commune of France. It is a sub-prefecture of the Corrèze department.
Although it is by far the biggest commune in Corrèze, the capital is Tulle. In French popular culture, the town is associated with a song by Georges Brassens.
| Country | France |
|---|---|
| Region | Nouvelle-Aquitaine |
| Department | Corrèze |
| Canton | Brive-la-Gaillarde-1, 2, 3 and 4 |
| Government | |
| Mayor (2020–2026) | Frédéric Soulier |
| Area1 | 48.59 km2 (18.76 sq mi) |
| Population (2017-01-01) | 46,916 |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) |
| Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) |
History
Even though the inhabitants settled around the 1st century, the city only started to grow much later. From around the 5th century onwards, the original city began to develop around a church dedicated to Saint-Martin-l’Espagnol. During the 12th century walls were built around the city and during the Hundred Years’ War a second wall was built. These fortifications no longer exist and have been replaced by boulevards.
The commune was named “Brive” until 1919, when it was renamed “Brive-la-Gaillarde”. The word “Gaillarde” (still used in current French) probably stands for bravery or strength in the city’s name, but it can also refer to the city’s walls.
The medieval centre is mainly a commercial district with retail shops and various cafés. It is also the location of the city hall, the main police station, and the Labenche museum. One notable landmark outside the inner city is the Pont Cardinal, a bridge which used to be a crossing point for travelers from Paris to Toulouse.
Transport
Brive-la-Gaillarde railway station offers connections to Limoges, Périgueux, Bordeaux, Clermont-Ferrand, Toulouse, and several regional destinations. The A20 motorway connects Brive with Limoges and Toulouse, the A89 with Bordeaux.
Brive–Souillac Airport lies south of the city. It was opened in 2010 to replace the older Brive-La Roche Airport.
Sport
The city is home to a rugby union team, CA Brive. It also hosted the 2009 Junior World Rowing Championships.
