May 2, 2007

San Francisco - La Boule d'Or

North California has the highest concentration of clubs in the country, so last weekend I was able to visit three within 24 hrs.

La Boule d'Or, the oldest formal club in the US, was founded in 1959 by Jean Bontemps, an importer from Provence, with a 'boulodrome' in famous Golden Gate Park.

An absolutely idyllic location. Their only problem is that dense fog sometimes makes it difficult to play.

John Krauer has been the active president for many years, and I arrived at the right time for a quick drink game with him, René, Alain, Raymond and - always joking - Jacques.

5 comments:

Baby Nubbins said...

What a picture perfect setting for petanque. It has all of the classic elements of open play, shade trees, and homemade signage.

Jeff Widen
-Detroit Petanque Club

Adventure Team said...

Hello there,

I cannot find the petanque area in Golden Gate Park.
Is it near 38th ave. or by the lawn bowling greens near Kezar Stadium?
Would someone email me if they know for sure?

Thanks!

makaga at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

No it is behind the bison paddock by the dog park across from speckles lake.Take the access road off of 36th.

Jack Mckinnon said...

La Boule D’Or Petanque club in Golden gate Park San Francisco is still very much active and has play every Friday Saturday and Sunday from 2 PM on. It’s still quite idyllic , the play is lively and very much fun. I’m Jack McKinnon the current president of the club, welcome. If you have any questions about times or directions please call me at 650-455-0687.
Best
Jack McKinnon La Boule D’Or
March 2020

Anonymous said...

Salut. Mon beau-père est de passage et est intéressé de passer jouer au Golden Gate Park vendredi prochain. Êtes vous toujours actif?