In Paris, there are plenty of places and opportunities to play pétanque. Whether in parks, along the banks of the canals or in the woods, the choice is yours!
That’s it, summer’s here: light outfits and espadrilles are out in force, and on the berges de la Seine Friends are gathering in droves. But what’s the best way to get into the spirit of things? A game of pétanque (or Molkky, the wooden alternative imported from Finland), of course! Here are our top spots for rolling those boules.
Wide sandy paths flanked by Buren’s columns, the republican palaces and the Comédie Française… Au Domaine du Palais royal, if you're wearing a vest and a bucket hat, you're going to turn heads.
So, let’s keep it classy and low-key. In the same vein, you can always take a stroll through the aisles of the jardin du Luxembourg, face au sénat ou bien dans le jardin des Tuileries.
###In Paris, there are plenty of places and opportunities to play pétanque. Whether in parks, along the banks of the canals or in the woods, the choice is yours!
That’s it, summer’s here: light outfits and espadrilles are out in force, and on the berges de la Seine Friends are gathering in droves. But what’s the best way to get into the spirit of things? A game of pétanque (or Molkky, the wooden alternative imported from Finland), of course! Here are our top spots for rolling those boules.
Wide sandy paths flanked by Buren’s columns, the republican palaces and the Comédie Française… Au Domaine du Palais royal, if you're wearing a vest and a bucket hat, you're going to turn heads.
So, let’s keep it classy and low-key. In the same vein, you can always take a stroll through the aisles of the jardin du Luxembourg, face au sénat ou bien dans le jardin des Tuileries.
Is it because the water features give these must-visit spots for pétanque players a touch of the Old Port? Be that as it may, in the shade of the plane trees, you’ll find some magnificent pétanque spots right by the water.
Worst-case scenario, there are plenty of cafés and refreshment stands to welcome your defeated team. But be careful: one over-enthusiastic attempt at a ‘carreau’, and your boule will end up in the water.
Granted, it’s neither the most secluded nor the shadiest spot in Paris… But the sand of the arène, The stands, steeped in history, and the other players make it the perfect setting for a good match.
Will you be the jack’s bullfighter? For a spot of water-side fun: the Bassin de la Villette, the Canal Saint-Martin or the Canal de l’Ourcq, the Port de l’Arsenal…
Is it because the water features give these must-visit spots for pétanque players a touch of the Old Port? Be that as it may, in the shade of the plane trees, you’ll find some magnificent pétanque spots right by the water.
Worst-case scenario, there are plenty of cafés and refreshment stands to welcome your defeated team. But be careful: one over-enthusiastic attempt at a ‘carreau’, and your boule will end up in the water.
Granted, it’s neither the most secluded nor the shadiest spot in Paris… But the sand of the arène, The stands, steeped in history, and the other players make it the perfect setting for a good match.
Will you be the jack’s bullfighter?
Are you feeling hot and in need of some shade, a bit of coolness and some greenery? Go and find some greenery wherever you can. The bois de Vincennes et de Boulogne are historic venues for playing boules.
As well as the three-star pitches at the pétanque clubs, the two woods are full of lovely spots to have a game whilst getting some fresh air.
In case of rain or out of consideration for your friends who are afraid of kissing Fanny (in short, of losing their manhood), you can play indoors and thus have a smaller audience!
Two examples: Chez Bouboule, near Avenue Trudaine, where a self-service track awaits you. But if you want to hit the mark, you’ll need to order some fruit juice.
Let’s be clear, Paris is teeming with squares, and many of them have a nice, flat path, or even a pétanque court that would put Marius, César, Fanny and Pagnol to shame.
So why did you choose this one? Because it lies at the heart of Montmartre, a quiet spot with a lovely boules court for a game right in the heart of Paris Village. Aim straight, and don’t forget: hit the jack, and you’ve won!
From July onwards, Paris is once again France’s largest beach.
On the Pompidou Promenade, there are crowds, there are onlookers, and above all there are several pétanque courts run by the Île-de-France Pétanque League, including one court with access for people with reduced mobility.
Flip-flops, crowds and sand: the winning trio!
