On display at an exhibition of toys and games

(MAIN PHOTO)

The game of Frog (la Grenouille) or Barrel (le Tonneau)

The history and rules of the game are not always clearly explained.  Here is a  precis:

HISTORY:
It was always a soldiers' pastime.
In ancient Greece it was played with amphorae and flat stones, and was called "break the pot"
The Romans took it over, it became the emperor Varus' favourite game!
The Normans brought the game from the Mediterranean up to Normandy.  As the Normans used barrels for storing alcoholic drinks, they were used instead of amphorae and the game was renamed "Barrel".
Under Louis XIV the game came back into vogue, and the French soldiers played it under the name of "Greek Man's Game"
It was very popular in the late 19th century, when the (target?) was replaced by a wide mouthed frog - or in the North of France it might instead be a grotesque caricature of an unpopular politician.

RULES:
The player stands ten feet away from the board.
The aim is to accumulate the highest number of points.
Rounds can be played by individuals or teams.  There can be several rounds, the (target?)number of points to be agreed in advance.
A player gaining a frog four times in a round gains a further 1,000 points.
Precise rules etc. to be agreed before start of the game.


It looks as if the front row of the board includes a hinged or tilting door at either side and a wheel in the middle.  You would probably have to achieve a direct hit on the lower paddle of the wheel to turn it and therefore score.

To judge from the wear and tear on the board, it seems likely that the most frequent score achieved was a 10.


(SECOND PHOTO)

Maison des Marais, Marchesieux

This is part of an 18th century farmhouse, now a museum and restored to its original configuration.

The roof is thatched.  (I don't recall seeing thatch elsewhere in France!) The top ridge is sealed by the traditional Norman method of using clay planted with succulents - sedums - which are extremely water retentive.  

A fascinating site which will be enjoyed by children and adults alike.