BOURLOIRE ET CERCLE SAINT-CHRISTOPHE

Hidden by the Serres of the Botanique Botanical Garden, the St. Christopher's Circle is an almost secret place which contains a regional and even national treasure since the Circle is classified in the Historical monuments inventory. When you enter the building, you first arrive in a very large room where there are several billiards and a bar around which the locals meet, in an atmosphere that is both intimate and convivial. But the real treasure hides behind the small glass door beside the bar. Here lies one of the last and authentic bourloires of the region. Among the famous traditional games of the North, bourle has long been one of the most popular. To play it, one must first have a concave track. Originally the trail was made of land and cow dung! But that of the St. Christopher's Circle has been covered with a synthetic coating! Then it takes two teams from 2 to 10 players. This is actually the world on a small track! The first team launches its bourles, large wooden discs (mostly walnut) weighing from 1,5 to 8 kg! The first team launches its bourles and must arrive near the étaque, a kind of fixed jack. The second team must then try to overcome the opposing bourles, or even have them burst to take their place! But beware of falling into the "ass", the ditch at the end of the track! The name "bourle" comes from the "bourler" picard that means tituber and falling. This perfectly describes the movement of the bourle when it runs the 20 m track! And when the bourles are too close to each other, then we leave giant compasses to determine the one closest to étaque. It is better to understand why a party can last until 3 pm! While the number of bourloires has decreased considerably, the pride of the players is still there and the Northern Bourles Federation has many members. As you want to practise a sport not like the others, or simply want to learn more about one of the traditions of the region, do not hesitate to push the doors of the St. Christopher Circle, its members will be happy to share with you their knowledge and especially their anecdotes!