Parc du Bournat

About the museum

Le Bournat opened in 1992 in Le Bugue, in the Dordogne. It grew out of the passion of Paul-Jean Souriau, a Parisian engineer in love with the Périgord and a collector who, from the age of 18, gathered tools, machines, furniture, vehicles and objects from earlier times, until his collection reached an estimated 10,000 pieces.

Aware that craftspeople’s skills would disappear with mechanisation, he wanted to give them an entire village. Complete workshops (forge, saddlery, clog-making, shoemaking, dental surgery), roof frames, old stone, a walnut mill, a chapel and wash-houses were bought, dismantled and re-erected stone by stone; only the windmill was built as an exact replica.

Today the 8-hectare park brings rural life of the early 20th century back to life. Visitors can watch craftspeople at work, meet farm animals in the village, ride old carousels, a big wheel or a horse-drawn carriage, and have lunch in places serving Périgord cuisine. In 2026, the park is open from April 4 to September 27.

Highlights

• 1900 village with buildings re-erected stone by stone
• Craft demonstrations: forge, pottery, soap-making, glassblowing
• Mini farm and animals roaming the village
• Old carousels, big wheel, horse-drawn carriage and boat rides
• Collection of old tools, machines and vehicles

Permanent exhibition

• Village reconstitué de 1900 – Buildings re-erected stone by stone (school, chapel, wash-house, houses), craftspeople’s workshops and collections of tools, machines and old fairground rides.

Founded

1992

Admission & discounts

Free admission: European Heritage Days (free entry on September 20, 2026)

2026 prices in low season; in high season (July and August): adult €22.50, reduced adult rate €20.20, child €13.40, reduced child rate €12.00. Children under 3 free. Reduced child rate in low season: €11.10. All attractions, rides and craft demonstrations are included in the entrance price; the retro photo and some workshops (from €5) are extra. A “second visit” is free for any ticket bought during the season. 15% discount at the Canoës du Bournat and the Bara-Bahau cave on presentation of the ticket; the Pass Périgord (Visites en Périgord) gives 20% off. Parking: €5.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The park is accessible by wheelchair, but the gravel makes some paths difficult, and the steep slope prevents access to the chapel and the windmill. The park recommends being accompanied and favouring all-terrain wheelchairs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

The park suits all ages from two years old. Visitors can touch the animals and ask the craftspeople questions. Changing rooms and bottle warmers; high chairs in the restaurant. The gravel hampers small city pushchairs; all-terrain pushchairs can be hired at reception.

Getting there & parking

Bicycle racks at the entrance, a green cycle path nearby. A campsite is next to the park.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Five places to eat: restaurant Chez Paul (traditional cuisine, by reservation, “Dimanches en Chanson”), rôtisserie Chez Odette, brasserie, ice-cream parlour; shaded picnic areas. Park shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

All or part of the park (8 hectares) can be hired for weddings, family events and seminars.

Plan your visit