Games of the Loire (Les jeux de la Loire)

In this book, the writer Jean-Pierre Simon takes the reader through a history of the games played by Ligériens, trying to understand how their cultural identity has been forged through encounters between people along this exceptional river.

A geographic and cultural space, birthplace of specific traditions, home to communities possessing undeniable knowledge, has the Loire also been the location for the development of its own games, representing a unique cultural heritage? 

Looking at three games that are, or have been, very popular along the river, the author takes us on a voyage of discovery through the card game known as “Aluette”, a traditional bowls game “Boule de Fort” and “Joutes nautiques” (water jousting). Although the traditional practice of these games is acknowledged in certain parts of the Loire basin, is this enough to be able to grant them the special status of “Jeux de la Loire” (Games of the Loire)? 

On the web:

http://www.corsaire-editions.com/product/les-jeux-de-la-loire-jean-pierre-simon