Between Tradition and Memories: My Discovery of Boule de Fort

An inheritance in the palm of your hand

Yesterday, when I pushed open the door of the club, it wasn't just a sport I went to discover, but a part of my family history. Observing this strange ball, wider than it was thick and rimmed with iron, my thoughts immediately turned to my grandfather, Victor .

He was a player at the Société des Ulmes , and I saw him again for a moment, focused on the track. It's amazing how a simple object can awaken such deep memories. I felt like I was walking in his footsteps a little—or rather, gliding, like him, in slippers on this very particular terrain.

Boule de Fort: The art of the curve and patience

For those unfamiliar with this treasure, boule de fort is classified as a traditional game of the Pays de la Loire in the Inventory of French Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture .

Here's what makes this game unique in the world:

• An "off-center" ball: Unlike in pétanque, the ball is not spherical. It is "flattened" (tire- or lentil-shaped) and has one side heavier than the other: the famous "strong" side . It is this imbalance, combined with its shape, that prevents it from rolling straight.

• The "gutter" court: Play takes place on a court 18 to 25 meters long, curved at the sides. The surface, formerly clay and now often resin, requires absolute protection. This is why wearing slippers is mandatory: you enter the court as you would enter a living room, with respect.

• The strategy of the roller and the shooter: The goal is to get as close as possible to the "master" (the jack). The roller must control their force with infinite gentleness—a ball can take more than 40 seconds to reach its target! The shooter , on the other hand, must throw accurately to clear the opponent's balls, but always while rolling their own, because it is forbidden to "pok" (throw the ball in the air) so as not to mark the playing area.

It is a sport of silence and subtle trajectories where you learn to "read" the terrain and use the slope to get around obstacles.

A memorable introduction in Saumur

None of this would have been possible without the incredible welcome from the Saint-Florent La Cure Society in Saumur . I wanted to warmly thank the entire team for their patience and teaching skills. They taught me the basics of the technique: this rocking motion, palm facing forward, which requires as much flexibility as concentration.

And as if by a twist of fate (or perhaps a little nudge from Victor?), I had the joy of winning my very first victory with my team! Beyond the score, it was the conviviality of the circle and the pleasure of sharing a drink that won me over.

The "Fanny" ritual: humility in defeat

In the world of boule de fort, you don't just lose a match: you can also "go to Brion". This local expression means that the unfortunate team failed to score a single point, ending the game with a score of 10 to 0 (or 12 to 0 according to the circle's rules).

The tradition is then merciless but always joyful: the losers must "kiss Fanny's arse." This is usually a painting, sculpture, or figurine depicting a woman showing her buttocks. It's a mandatory ritual, a sign of humility that inevitably ends in a burst of laughter and a round of drinks for everyone at the company bar. Luckily for my team and me, we avoided the trip to Brion yesterday, but I was able to admire the local "Fanny," the mischievous guardian of the spirit of the game!

Boule de Fort isn't just a game for "old people"; it's an intergenerational sport that demands impressive self-control. I'm leaving from the Saint-Florent La Cure Society with my head full of memories and the pride of having, in my turn, rolled the ball.