An English sport, a touch of madness and a lot of good humour... right in the heart of Brittany.
Yes, cricket in Brittany, with players from all over the world... And above all: with the spirit of ‘Vivre les Ormes’ at every match, friendly, slightly offbeat and deeply human.
The Ormes Cricket Club has been bringing this unusual sport to life since 1996.
The club was founded by a group of expatriates, including Les and Richard Pullen and Julian Smith, with the support of Colin and Brigitte Adams. The first pitch was grass, replaced in 1997 by an artificial surface installed by cricket legend Derek Underwood's team.
At Les Ormes, cricket is played internationally. The club brings together players from twelve different countries, from France to India, from the UK to Afghanistan, forming a multicultural team where everyone brings their own style, energy and history. This diversity creates a rich and inclusive atmosphere, just like the Domaine itself: open, curious and resolutely focused on sharing.
More than just matches
Every season, the club takes part in regional competitions, organises an international junior tournament and has even welcomed the French women's team for a match against Jersey. But perhaps the most memorable match was against Broken XI, an English team that uses cricket to support mental health. Matches like these are a reminder that sport can also bring people together, help and do good.
In 2003, the pitch at Domaine des Ormes became the setting for an extraordinary feat: 26 hours and 15 minutes of non-stop cricket, a Guinness Book world record.
Two teams made up of club members and friends took up this crazy challenge with courage, humour... and a few blisters. It was a moment as improbable as it was unforgettable, just like the club itself.
