Le Village du Bournat
Step back in time to a charming 1900s French village with vintage rides, artisan crafts, and farm animals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy fireworks & unique atmosphere
Le Village du Bournat
Best Time
Enjoy fireworks & unique atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time to a charming 1900s French village with vintage rides, artisan crafts, and farm animals.
"It's like traveling back in time, perfectly capturing the atmosphere of the 1900s."
🎟️ Book in Advance for Nocturnes
Special evening openings with fireworks are popular. Book tickets ahead to secure your spot for this magical experience.
💰 Value for Money
While some reviews mention high costs, many find the ticket prices worth it for a full day of entertainment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
1900s Fairground Rides
Fairground
Experience nostalgic thrills on vintage carousels, flying chairs, and other classic fairground attractions.
Artisan Demonstrations
Artisan Village
Witness traditional crafts like glassblowing, pottery, and milling brought to life by skilled artisans.
1900s Village School
Schoolhouse
Step back in time and see what a traditional French classroom looked like over a century ago.
Farm Animals
Farm
Meet and greet charming farm animals, adding a delightful rural touch to your historical immersion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations for Extra Costs
Check Height Restrictions & Availability
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book in Advance for Nocturnes
Special evening openings with fireworks are popular. Book tickets ahead to secure your spot for this magical experience.
💰 Value for Money
While some reviews mention high costs, many find the ticket prices worth it for a full day of entertainment.
📏 Check Height Restrictions
Many rides have height limits. Ensure your children meet the requirements to avoid disappointment.
🥖 Try the Peasant Bread
Don't miss out on delicious treats from the bakery, especially the highly recommended peasant bread.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book in Advance for Nocturnes
Special evening openings with fireworks are popular. Book tickets ahead to secure your spot for this magical experience.
💰 Value for Money
While some reviews mention high costs, many find the ticket prices worth it for a full day of entertainment.
📏 Check Height Restrictions
Many rides have height limits. Ensure your children meet the requirements to avoid disappointment.
🥖 Try the Peasant Bread
Don't miss out on delicious treats from the bakery, especially the highly recommended peasant bread.
📸 Capture the Nostalgia
The park is incredibly photogenic. Bring your camera to capture the charming 1900s village and fairground scenes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Le Village du Bournat offers a charming step back in time with its 1900s village recreation, vintage fairground, and artisan demonstrations. Many families praise the immersive experience and the fun rides, finding it a great value for a full day out. However, some visitors have noted issues with extra costs for certain activities, ride closures, and a lack of clear communication regarding these points.
"Our visit to Le Parc du Bournat was extremely disappointing. We paid too much for what was offered. Most of the interesting activities required extra payment and advance reservations — but none of this was communicated at the entrance. As a result, we either missed out completely or had to wait in long lines with no guarantee of participation.
Many of the so-called “attractions” were closed for maintenance, but the thick cobwebs made it clear that no real maintenance had taken place. The whole park felt neglected and poorly managed.
If you’re visiting with kids under 1.20m: don’t bother. They are not allowed on almost anything — yet still have to pay full price. For children taller than 1.40m, there’s very little to do as well. The park seems to target a narrow age group, and even for them, many things were unavailable.
We were drawn in by the promise of a nocturne (evening opening), but sadly this only meant that almost everything closed at the regular time, and we were left waiting for hours with nothing to do until the fireworks. A total letdown.
To top it off, we queued with many others for the Ferris wheel, only to be told halfway through the line that it was closing because the operator was hungry. No explanation, no structure – just arbitrary decisions, leaving disappointed kids and parents behind.
The entire experience felt like a series of missed opportunities: poor communication, extra charges, closed attractions, and very little value for money. Yes, the setting is charming, but there’s no substance behind the façade.
We won’t be coming back. There are far better, more honest and child-friendly places in the region."
Jeroen Pattyn
"This is one of the best fun parks I've visited with my kids. It's like traveling back in time, perfectly capturing the atmosphere of the 1900s. My kids, aged 4 and 6, loved it so much that we spent the entire day there. You can go on the various rides as many times as you want. There's a charming small farm with sheep, ducks, rabbits, geese, chickens, and more. The rides are incredibly fun for kids, and there are boat rides, fascinating workshops, a 1900s bus ride, a windmill, and even a school!
We visited the park at the end of June, and it wasn't crowded at all, despite the presence of many groups of children and their teachers. The park is so spacious and French kids are so well-behaved that it never feels crowded, even on the busiest days.
The park is exceptionally clean, with plenty of restaurants and picnic areas. I highly recommend enjoying some ice cream after lunch and purchasing peasant bread from the bakery.
The ticket prices are definitely worth it."
Clara González Ruiz
"This unique park offers heritage preservation and provides an enjoyable experience for children. The park is well-maintained, featuring ample shaded areas, and the staff is friendly. The pricing structure offers good value, and the food options are reasonably priced; for example, a quarter chicken sourced from a local farm, served with potatoes and salad, is available for under 10 euros."
renaud delbru
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Le Village du Bournat is located in Journiac, Dordogne, France. It's best accessed by car. Parking is generally available on-site. If using GPS, input 'Le Village du Bournat, Journiac'.
Public transport options are limited in this rural area. It's highly recommended to travel by car for ease of access. Check local bus schedules if you are relying on public transport, but be prepared for infrequent services.
From Bordeaux, take the A89 motorway towards Périgueux, then exit towards Sarlat. Follow signs for Le Village du Bournat. From other directions, follow signs for Sarlat-la-Canéda and then look for local signage to Journiac and the park.
Yes, ample parking is usually available for visitors. It's generally free of charge, making it convenient for those arriving by car.
Absolutely! Le Village du Bournat is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering a full day of immersive historical experiences and family fun.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours vary by season. It's essential to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit, especially for seasonal events like nocturnes.
Ticket prices can vary, and some reviews suggest it can be on the pricier side. However, many visitors feel the cost is justified by the full-day experience and the unique attractions offered.
Discounts may be available for children, students, or families. It's advisable to check the official website or inquire directly about any potential promotions or group rates.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for special events like the summer nocturnes, to guarantee entry and avoid queues.
Some reviews indicate that certain activities or demonstrations might require additional payment or advance reservations, which were not always clearly communicated at the entrance.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
The park features a 1900s fairground with vintage rides, artisan demonstrations (glassblowing, pottery), a historical schoolhouse, a farm with animals, and immersive village life experiences. 
Many rides are designed for children, with some having height restrictions. Some visitors noted that there might be limited options for very young children or taller individuals.
You can witness traditional crafts such as glassblowing, pottery making, milling (oil production), and more, offering a glimpse into historical trades.
Yes, it's generally considered a great place for families, with many rides and activities appealing to children. However, be mindful of height restrictions and potential extra costs for certain experiences.
The 'Nocturnes' are special evening openings, often during summer, featuring a unique atmosphere and a pyrotechnic show. They offer a different perspective on the park.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The park offers various dining options, including restaurants and picnic areas. You can find traditional French dishes, and some reviews highlight reasonably priced meals.
Yes, picnic areas are available, making it a good option for budget-conscious families or those who prefer to bring their own meals.
Information on specific dietary options is not widely available. It's advisable to inquire directly with the park's food vendors upon arrival or check their website for menus.
Some visitors highly recommend trying the peasant bread from the bakery and enjoying ice cream after lunch.
Food options are generally considered reasonably priced, with some meals costing under 10 euros.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire village is a photographer's dream! Capture the charming architecture, vintage fairground rides, artisan workshops, and the general atmosphere of 1900s life.
Photography is generally permitted throughout the park. However, always be respectful of performers and other visitors, and ask permission before taking close-up shots of individuals.
During the day, expect natural sunlight. The summer nocturnes offer unique lighting opportunities with evening ambiance and fireworks, creating dramatic shots.
The view from the Ferris wheel offers a unique perspective of the entire village. Also, capture the details of the artisan crafts and the vintage fairground rides.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both wide village scenes and details. A prime lens can be useful for low-light conditions during the nocturnes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Many visitors report their children had an amazing time, spending the entire day exploring and enjoying the attractions. Be aware of potential height restrictions on some rides and that certain activities might have an extra charge.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on enjoying the included attractions and demonstrations, as these are the core of the historical experience. Be mindful of any additional costs for specific workshops or activities, and decide if they align with your budget before committing.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss capturing the vibrant colors of the vintage fairground rides, the intricate details of the artisan crafts, and the candid moments of visitors enjoying the historical setting. For unique perspectives, consider a ride on the Ferris wheel for panoramic village views.
The summer nocturnes offer dramatic lighting opportunities with evening ambiance and fireworks, perfect for capturing atmospheric shots. A versatile lens that can handle both wide shots and close-ups will be your best friend here.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Immersive Historical Experience
The presence of a functioning 1900s schoolhouse and a charming farm with heritage animals further enhances this immersive historical journey. Many visitors praise the park's ability to capture the atmosphere of the past, making it feel like a genuine step back in time. The attention to detail in the reconstruction is a key highlight, offering an educational and entertaining experience for all ages. It’s not just about seeing historical buildings; it’s about experiencing the essence of village life from over a century ago.
This focus on heritage preservation makes Le Village du Bournat more than just an amusement park; it's a living museum. The interactive elements, such as watching artisans at work and exploring the school, encourage engagement and a deeper appreciation for historical lifestyles.
Family Fun and Attractions
+1 The ability to ride these attractions multiple times adds to the value and enjoyment for kids. Beyond the rides, the park provides numerous engaging activities. Children can interact with farm animals, explore the old schoolhouse, and watch demonstrations of traditional crafts.
While most attractions are included in the entry fee, some reviews mention that certain activities might incur extra costs or require advance booking, so it's wise to clarify this upon arrival. The park's spacious layout and well-maintained facilities, including picnic areas and restaurants, contribute to a comfortable family outing.
Seasonal Events and Nocturnes
The nocturnes often culminate in a spectacular pyrotechnic display, adding a dazzling finale to the day's activities. These events provide a different perspective on the park, with the village illuminated and a festive atmosphere. Visitors who have experienced the nocturnes often describe them as a memorable and enchanting part of their visit.
It's recommended to check the park's schedule for these special dates and consider booking tickets in advance, as they can be quite popular. Beyond the nocturnes, the park may have other seasonal activities or themed days. Staying updated with their official announcements will help you plan your visit to coincide with any special events that might enhance your experience.
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