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 Saint-Bonnet-le-Château, the internationally-renowned historic birthplace of the genuine boule used in modern pétanque, is also the headquarters of the Groupement des Fabricants de Boules [Boules Manufacturers’ Consortium]. Therefore it was only natural that a museum of pétanque and of bowls in general should be founded in this town.
The museum was created in 1991 by La Boule Obut on the initiative of its CEO, Robert Souvignet: .
Years of work and research were necessary to realise this project.
As Lucien Neuwirth, Chairman of the Loire Council, said at the inauguration:
“It is an asset for our area, and a new, original place for visits by groups of schoolchildren, pensioners, sports clubs and cultural clubs, that is even better than a visit to a manufacturing factory.”
 This unique museum is full of fun and good humour. You can see excerpts from Pagnol’s films, where the actor Raimu can be seen continually playing pétanque and entertaining us with famous witty banter.
Also featured is the actor Fernandel (who starred in many films with scenes involving games of pétanque) whose family donated the complete collection of his films in 1992.
And then there are a thousand and one things: paintings, engravings, film posters, books and various items that punctuate the visit – remarkable collections of sets of marbles, skittles, boules and Breton ”palets” (a form of quoits), English bowls, and more...
A real world tour that proves people’s universal attachment to this pleasant game.
 While the past is highlighted, extensive video facilities are provided for visitors to see, touch and understand the manufacturing process of a modern pétanque boule.
The industrialised production process is thus revealed to show the visitor the different stages in making this French product of reliable quality. It is a world of steel, mechanisms and smelting. On three screens, you can watch the vivid presentations of the forming and manufacture of a pétanque boule.
 The game of boules would not be complete without "Fanny", the symbol of the humiliation inflicted on players who lose 13-0. At the sound of a bell, they must kneel on the ground and kiss Fanny the donkey’s bulging buttocks to the jeers of the winners.
This is a splendid opportunity to discover all the talent of artists who greatly inspired by the subject.
It is never vulgar, but a good-humoured homage to Fanny and to the game of boules.
It is never vulgar, but a good-humoured homage to Fanny and to the game of boules.
There is nothing like the advice of great champions for discovering all the facets of a leisure activity that can also be competitive.
The video lets you into the champions’ secrets and, who knows, it may even give you the passion for official competitions.
- The Gift Shop...
In the gift shop, there is a wide range of very carefully selected articles and an outstanding selection of brands and competition pétanque boules. Using a cleverly-designed installation, you can even find the type of boule to suit your hand and your style of play: weight, diameter, hardness, striations, and personalisation.
The game of bowls has always fascinated people, and it seems to have existed since earliest times. Therefore the museum takes you on a surprising journey through the centuries: ancient Egypt and Greece, Roman Gaul, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the French Revolution, etc. The game of bowls was not born yesterday, and its history is richly documented in the museum.
In original presentations, you will discover splendid historical illustrations such as the superb 18th century bas-relief carving in solid wood inset with ivory, or the impressive and precious collection of boules throughout the ages. Eventually, you will come to today’s game of pétanque, to the chirping of cicadas and excerpts of films full of the colourful remarks of southern France’s players. After enjoying the fun atmosphere, you can venture into the video area where you will discover the stages of an ultra-modern manufacturing process, before ending your visit in the gift shop.
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