Exploring Bournat Park in the Dordogne
A theme park
A Journey Through the 1900s
Just 5 minutes from our 4-star campground in the Dordogne, the Parc du Bournat takes you on a journey back to the Dordogne of the early 1900s.
This theme park in Le Bugue recreates a village from days gone by, complete with artisans, old-fashioned rides, and farm animals.
Whether by day or by night, Bournat Park reveals a whole new side: lights, music, and a festive atmosphere keep the magic alive well into the evening.
A visit to Bournat Park is a family-friendly experience that combines exploring local heritage with the joy of sharing a simple, enjoyable moment together!
In practice
Key Takeaways
Just 5 minutes from Le Val de la Marquise Campground, in Campagne: a fully restored village from 1900. Enjoy crafts, rides, and animals with the whole family. Summer evening hours until 11 p.m., with a festive atmosphere. A must-see outing in the Dordogne
Bournat Park: A Journey Through Time
Before we explore the workshops, let’s take a moment to understand what makes this place so special. Bournat Park immerses visitors in the heart of village life in the early 20th century, where every trade, every gesture, and every tool tells a story.
Artisans at Work
the craftsmanship of yesteryear
At Parc du Bournat, time seems to stand still. Here, the trades of yesteryear come to life before visitors’ eyes. Blacksmiths, bakers, potters, cutlers, and millers: each artisan carries on the precise techniques of the early 20th century. Here, visitors can discover how wheat is ground at the mill, how bread is baked over a wood fire, and how a Bournat knife is handcrafted with a handle made from Périgord walnut.
These live demonstrations are more than just shows: they showcase a craft passed down with passion. Visitors can talk with the artisans, examine period tools, and appreciate the value of handcrafted work.
Our tip: Take the time to chat with the artisans—their explanations and stories make the visit even more enriching.
In the heart of the Périgord Noir
A Reconstructed 1900s Village in the Périgord
The Parc du Bournat invites you on a true journey back in time. Located in Le Bugue, in the heart of the Périgord Noir, this reconstructed village bringsthe atmosphere of 1900 back to life. Here you’ll find the region’s typical stone houses, which were dismantled and then rebuilt exactly as they were, as well as a mill, a school, a chapel, and artisans’ workshops.
Created by a Périgord enthusiast, the Parc du Bournat aims to preserve the customs and traditions of days gone by. Visitors stroll through the narrow streets, encounter farm animals, and discover scenes of daily life from another century. Young and old alike enjoy a day filled with vintage carousels, horse-drawn carriage rides, and encounters with artisans.
Our tip: Set aside a full day to enjoy the park, because every corner of the village is worth a visit during your camping trip with a pool in the Dordogne.
Local Traditions
Costumes, Artifacts, and Traditions from the Turn of the Century
At Parc du Bournat, every detail counts in faithfully recreating life in an early 20th-century village. The costumes, everyday objects, and local traditions transport visitors to an era when life revolved around work, fairs, and village festivals. The residents of Parc du Bournat wear clothing typical of the year 1900: artisans’ smocks, aprons, headdresses, and boater hats.
In the homes and workshops, you’ll find carefully restored tools, furniture, and utensils from days gone by. These objects speak to the simplicity and ingenuity of rural life in the Périgord.
Our tip: Take the time to visit the school and the photographer’s home—two places that perfectly showcase daily life and customs from that era.
Activities for all
The Top Attractions at Parc du Bournat
The Parc du Bournat does more than just bring the crafts and traditions of the past to life. It’s also a lively, bustling place where people of all ages can have fun while discoveringthe world of 1900.
Vintage Rides and Games
At Parc du Bournat, you can have fun just like in the old days. The 1900s-era rides and vintage games are among the park’s top attractions. Here, there are no screens or extreme thrills, just laughter, new discoveries, and a return to simple pleasures. You’ll find all the classic carnival games: duck fishing, the coconut stand, the “Rigolarium,” and the game booth.
When it comes to rides, visitors of all ages can hop on the 1900 carousel, the century-old Ferris wheel, the rickshaw, or the famous retro caterpillar ride, the park’s iconic attraction. The youngest visitors can also enjoy mini-carousels and small airplanes for their first rides.
Our tip: Don’t miss the carousel and its hand-carved horses—a must-see to experience all the magic of Parc du Bournat.
Friendly moments
Entertainment and Live Performances
At Parc du Bournat, village life never stops. Throughout the day, visitors enjoy live entertainment and performances that bring back the atmosphere of fairs and festivals of days gone by. Musicians, dancers, storytellers, and actors bring the park’s streets to life with performances full of energy and good cheer.
Some events highlight regional traditions: dances from the Périgord, demonstrations of traditional crafts, or reenactments of scenes from daily life in 1900. These enjoyable experiences offera better understanding of the culture and daily life of a time not so long ago.
Our advice: Check the schedule when you arrive at the park—times vary depending on the season and opening days. This will ensure you don’t miss any of the highlight attractions.
In the heart of the village
Farm Animals
At Parc du Bournat, the animals are an integral part of the visit. Just like in a real Périgord village from 1900, geese, sheep, rabbits, chickens, and draft horses bring the park to life. They serve as a reminder of the importanceof livestock farming and agriculturalwork during that era, when every animal had its own role in daily life.
The mini-farm is especially popular with children: it features a simple, lively farmyard where children can gently interact with the animals. Further on, flocksof geese and sheep roam freely through the paths, guided by sheepdogs —it’s quite a sight!
Our tip: Take the time to watch a demonstration with the animals—an authentic experience that appeals to both children and adults alike.
In a nutshell
Practical information for your visit
Before planning your trip to Parc du Bournat, here’s what you need to know to make organizing your day a breeze.
On-site dining: Chez Paul and Le P’tit Goûter restaurants
Open: April through September
Low season hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (April 5 through June 30 and September 1 through 28)
High-season hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (July 1 through August 31)
Late-night hours: until 11 p.m. on certain summer evenings
Address: 191 Allée Paul-Jean Souriau, 24260 Le Bugue
Visitor parking: €5, shaded, and close to the entrance
Adult prices: €19.90 to €21.90
Children’s rates (ages 3 to 12): €12.00 to €13.00
Free for children under 3
Dogs on a leash are welcome
Access for people with disabilities: accessible (except for the chapel and windmill)
Find out more
Enjoy the park
The Parc du Bournat also offers a second free visit with each ticket and a 2025 season pass for regular visitors. To fully enjoy the entertainment, rides, and craft workshops, plan to spend anywhere from 2 hours to a full day there!
When you stay at our nature campground in the Dordogne, you can enjoy a vacation that combines the ocean and regional heritage, and easily plan a visit to the Parc du Bournat, in the heart of the Périgord Noir. It’s a great way to combine a nature-filled vacation with discovering traditional crafts!
