The park was founded in 1992 by Paul-Jean Souriau to preserve the architectural and social heritage of the Périgord region.
Many buildings in the park, such as the schoolhouse and the church, were dismantled and reassembled beam-by-beam from their original locations in the Dordogne.
The vintage fairground includes a carousel that dates back to the early 1900s, still operated using traditional mechanical power.
The park maintains a collection of rare, heritage-breed farm animals to illustrate pre-industrial agricultural biodiversity.
A working watermill on the property functions as it did in the 19th century, processing grain into flour for the on-site bakery.
Le Parc du Bournat is a 7-hectare open-air museum in Le Bugue, Dordogne, recreating rural French village life as it existed in 1900. The park features authentic historic buildings relocated from across the region, including a watermill, a working bakery, and traditional craft workshops. Visitors can observe artisans such as blacksmiths, potters, and millers performing daily tasks using period-appropriate tools and techniques. The site includes a functioning fairground with vintage rides powered by mechanical means rather than electricity. Several heritage breeds of farm animals are housed within the grounds to demonstrate early 20th-century agricultural practices. Educational exhibits focus on traditional rural industries, specifically milling and local Périgord craftsmanship. The layout encourages a pedestrian-focused exploration of cobblestone streets and vegetable gardens. It serves as an ethnographic preservation site that prioritizes the continuity of ancestral skills over modern amusement. The park grounds border the Vézère River, emphasizing the historical reliance on local waterways for commerce and agriculture.
The central village square, which captures the architecture of the church and the traditional schoolhouse in a single frame.
Plan your visit around the scheduled craft demonstration times to see the blacksmith and potter in action.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes as the park features uneven, historic stone paths.
Bring a hat and sunscreen, as much of the park is exposed to direct sunlight with limited natural shade.
Do not attempt to navigate the park quickly; the experience relies on slow observation of the workshops and historical details.
Open seasonally from spring through autumn; closed during the winter months.
Respect the artisan workspaces by keeping a safe distance from tools and fires; do not enter workshops unless invited.
