stephmodo: Vintage French Amusement Park

• 16 May 2011

When in France, we spent our last day hanging out with Gabrielle's family at a place called Le Bournat (take note: the site has music), which, is best described as part vintage amusement park and part historic village--kind of a French version of Sturbridge Village, but with rides. If you ever visit the Dordogne with your family, it's a great place to spend an afternoon with children. During the touristy months of July and August, they even offer live music, which was excellent on a prior visit. Also, you can watch fresh walnut oil being made and organic flour being ground at any time of year.

A couple of years ago we visited Le Bournat on our first visit to this part of France--it was a rainy day and we ended up having the place to ourselves (see images here). It was during this trip that we put in an offer on La Maisonnette. Who knew what would all turn into? Point proven: life is totally and completely unpredictable!

p.s. I apologize for including so many photos--I couldn't stop at just a few--it's such a cool place!

all images by Stephanie Brubaker for stephmodo

13 comments:

amyMay 16, 2011 at 11:11 AM
oh my gosh, this make me ache with its quaintness. it reminds me a a little bit of the old zoo in the jardin des plantes in paris. like going back in time.... thanks!
Ana DegenaarMay 16, 2011 at 11:32 AM
2 of my favorite bloggers and France. J'adore.
likeschocolateMay 16, 2011 at 11:35 AM
What a really cool place!
Gabrielle - Design MomMay 16, 2011 at 1:05 PM
That was such a magical day!
Eva / Sycamore Street PressMay 16, 2011 at 9:46 PM
What a magical place! I LOVE all the photos of it. Definitely not too many. :)
AliMay 16, 2011 at 10:02 PM
What a fun looking day with the Blair family. Such a darling setting. Only in Europe....
KatrinaMay 17, 2011 at 5:23 AM
I want to ride those swings! Too cute!
MirandaMay 17, 2011 at 12:40 PM
super super cool! someday when we take the family to France I would love to visit. I love the photos - what a great backdrop.
o charmMay 19, 2011 at 12:04 PM
i'm so glad you posted this! ever since we went there i've been trying to find that place on a map, but couldn't even remember the name of the town, let alone the place!
it was one of the most unique places i've ever been to. one of my favorite things was the old flying machine-- remember the bike with the fan on the front and the wings on top? awesome.
Jaime {sophistimom}May 20, 2011 at 6:18 PM
Oh my goodness, I am almost crying at how perfect this all looks, Stephanie. I'm planning on going to France with you next time. I'll just stow away in your diaper bag. Too bad I don't fly for free anymore. . .
SharnelMay 21, 2011 at 2:46 AM
What a lovely place to visit.
oh, hello friend.June 1, 2011 at 3:51 PM
Don't apologize for so many photos - I don't think you can post enough photos of this beautiful place! It put a smile on my face, love it! ;)
Farmgirl SusanNovember 15, 2012 at 6:15 PM
Oh, what a wonderful place! :)