The site of the Bougon tumuli, discovered in 1840 by archaeologists, has been owned by the department of the Deux-Sèvres since 1873.
Based in a modern building, near the relics which are over 6,000 years old, the Bougon Tumulus Museum takes you into the world of Prehistory and in particular the Neolithic period, a time when humans became sedentary and erected tumuli.
On a visit to the site, as well as learning about the culture and way of life of people in the Neolithic era, you can discover prehistoric funerary architecture. You can admire a unique heritage along the discovery trail, dotted with tumuli and recreated Neolithic dwellings.
Dating from 4,700 B.C., the Bougon necropolis consists of six tumuli, circular or elongated monumental graves made of stone and earth. Built by Neolithic people who lived in the surrounding villages, they are one of the oldest examples of funerary architecture in the world! Among these constructions, tumulus F stands out as the biggest in the necropolis, at 72 metres in length. Tumulus A has a large sepulchral chamber inside.
A botanical garden and fun maze are a great way to round off your visit to this important megalithic site.
