WELCOME TO THE OFFICIAL BLOG for La Pétanque Marinière in San Rafael, California. LPM has been an active Marin pétanque club since 1972 and affiliated with the Fédération of Pétanque USA, since 1975. We welcome people of all abilities, ages and nationalities to come and enjoy pétanque with us.

The Pierre Joske Courts are located on Civic Center drive in San Rafael. (click for directions). Casual games are played every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from about 1 pm. Tournament play is usually held on the second Sunday of every month.

Please consult the links on the sidebar to the right for more information on clubs in the bay area, nationally and world wide.

If you would like to play but haven't any boules, please contact our President, Christine Cragg. They can bring some for you to use, as well as introduce you to the basic skills and techniques of pétanque. In addition, if you are looking to purchase boules but are unsure as to which size and weight are right for you, we have a range of different examples from which to choose.

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Fresno Pétanque


Here is the latest newsletter from our neighbors to the not-so-far south. Click here to read it in it's entirety.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Holiday Wishes from LPM

Merry Christmas Everybody,


The Holiday Season 2009 is upon us, yet Christmas and it's traditions don't always bring visions of joy and happiness to everyone. Keep in mind that when you are looking for that perfect gift, that love is the easiest gift to give. Its simple... its elegant... and it lasts a long time. It's always brand new... and if it's returned it brings even more joy. At this time of the year, let us reach out and forget all our bitterness toward our fellow man, extend to him or her, our true hand of love and friendship... because love brings hope... and hope removes doubt...without doubt there is no uncertainty.
With that, all of us at La Pétanque Marinière would like to wish you the Merriest of Christmases and the Happiest of New Years.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Pétanque Wines at Trader Joe's


















It's time to stock up on the popular wine from Michel-Schlumberger in the Dry Creek Valley as it is now available from Trader Joe's in San Rafael. Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are all selling for the unheard of $4.99 per bottle.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

La Franc Pétanque Boules


Welcome to La Franc pétanque boules from Thailand!


FBT Sports is considered the Sporting Giant of Thailand because of its wide range of sports equlpment and wear manufacturing facilities, and also its dominant marketing and sales activities throughout of Thailand.

Another reason is FBT’s cars and responsibility as a Corporate Citizen committed towards the development of sports in Thailand with its philanthropic contribution as a donor or sponsor since the inception of the company in 1952.

As a manufacturer, a wholesaler and a retailer, FBT can control the quality of its products to the end customers and, at the same time, have the flexibility to suit all types of markets. This allows FBT the advantage of producing high quality products at affordable prices.


Click on video to go to the factory and watch the actual boule making process.

When at the factory click on "area 6" to begin the video.
Click on boule department to see fotos of the boule making area of the factory.

La Franc Pétanque balls are now available directly from
Pétanque America and are approved by the International Pétanque Federation for International Competitions.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Pétanque Spreads in Northern Florida

Grand opening of The Bakery by Opus 39 in St Augustine, Florida

It seems that since the Pétanque America Open, the sport is catching on in the northeastern part of the state. the following article appeared today in the Historic City News out of St. Augustine, Florida


The Bakery by Opus 39 reported to Historic City News that they will be holding their grand opening next Tuesday, December 15th.

The new Bakery is located behind Opus 39 on Cordova Street.

The Bakery’s retail pastry and bread shop is open to the public for breakfast, coffee, lunch and catering. Wholesale breads, pastries, etc. are available for restaurants.

Historic City News reader and City Commissioner Nancy Sikes-Kline reported that this is very exciting news. “If you have never tasted the bread at Opus, you should; it’s to die for”, Sikes-Kline said.

Fresh bread with real butter dripping down your elbow as you enjoy it — hot, fresh, right out of their ovens. All breads are made daily to satisfy.

Chef Michael says the deck is great,The Pétanque Court is ready to play and the new patio furniture and fountains are really nice.