Tumulus of Bougon
About This Museum
What truly sets the Tumulus of Bougon apart is its staggering age; we're talking about monumental stone tombs built over 7,000 years ago, making them some of the oldest structures of their kind in all of Europe. Walking among these grassy mounds, you can't help but feel a direct connection to the Neolithic farmers who engineered these marvels. The museum on-site does a brilliant job of contextualizing the finds without taking away from the raw power of the monuments themselves. It's a place that manages to feel both ancient and incredibly immediate.
Collection Highlights
The star exhibits are, without a doubt, the original skeletal remains discovered within the tombs, lying in situ just as they were found millennia ago. You'll also see finely polished jadeite axes and intricate ceramic vessels that hint at a complex spiritual life and far-reaching trade networks.
Visitor Information
Don't just stick to the indoor galleries—the real magic is outside. Take your time walking the peaceful trail that connects the six tumuli; it's a beautiful, reflective stroll through history set in the French countryside.
Architecture & Building
The architecture here is literally prehistoric—the main attractions are the massive, man-made earthen mounds and dry-stone burial chambers themselves. The modern museum building is sleek and unobtrusive, designed to complement rather than compete with its ancient surroundings.
Contact & Location
Address: La Chapelle, Bougon, Niort, Deux-Sèvres, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France métropolitaine, 79800, France
Phone: +33 5 49 05 12 13
Website: Visit Website
