In 1972, in Saint-Seurin-de-Bourg, Mr. Abel Rabotin restored and maintained his important collection of horse-drawn carriages, saddles and harnesses.
The extraordinary variety of creations (estate cars, convertibles, coupes, omnibuses) is matched only by the great diversity of accessories that include harnesses, saddles, bridles, bits and many other objects.
At his death, the commune of Bourg, with the help of the Regional Acquisition Fund for Museums, bought this local heritage from Mr Rabotin's children.
In the prestigious setting of the Parc de la Citadelle, it had a museum built, whose architecture is reminiscent of the stables of yesteryear.
The Musée de France "Musée de la Voiture à Cheval" opened its doors in April 1995, then in 1998, new spaces were added.
The public can then borrow the underground bridle carriage of the 16th century, one of the last remains of one of the most strategic fortresses of Gironde.
This bridle path was built at the request of the Duke of Epernon in the 16th century. It made it possible to link the port of Bourg to the Citadel while being protected in the event of an assault and to transport goods in and out of the Citadel away from prying eyes.
It was the horses that hauled deliveries through this underground passage, earning it the name "souterrain cavalier".
The underground passage on its third ramp surprises the uninformed visitor who discovers 12m underground the oil tanks built shortly before the Second World War and which were used and then destroyed by the Germans.
In May 1999, the guardrooms of the 16th century Citadel, underground rooms under the 18th century Carthusian monastery, were opened to the public.
This collection of horse-drawn carriages, located in the prestigious setting of the Château de la Citadelle, is classified as a Museum of France.
Surprise visit...
For 3 years now, a new visit has been set up. Accompanied by a guide, you will go down the cliff, on the banks of the Dordogne and you will visit, after listening to the history, one of the seven gigantic oil tanks of the Second World War, built in 1938, in reinforced concrete... Surprise guaranteed.
The museum can only be visited by guided tours, they take place during the opening periods at 10h00 - 11h30 - 14h00 - 15h30 - 17h00.
In March, April, May and October on weekends and public holidays (except 1 May).
From June 1st to September 30th every day.
Museum of the Citadel of Bourg - Undergrounds and carriages
Park of the Castle of the Citadel
33710 Bourg
Tel Town Hall. : 05 57 68 40 04
Museum Tel. : 05 57 68 23 57
http://www.bourg-gironde.fr/tourisme/chateau-de-citadelle/
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