Forget social networking sites, why not socialise the Provence way with a fun and relaxing game of pétanque.
The game of pétanque originated in Provence and is now played all over France. It is popular particularly during the summer months and is a similar game to bowls. Pétanque can be played by two, four or six players who are split into two teams. Each player begins the game with 3 boules and the aim is to hit or get as near to the jack (a smaller wooden ball) as possible. The game ends if either the jack gets knocked out of play or when no team members have any remaining boules. Teams receive one point for each boule that is nearer to the jack than the best placed boule of the opposition. The team who is the first to collect thirteen points wins.
Pétanque is a cheap game to play and attracts players of all ages. It is a very sociable game that brings whole villages together. The French writer Marcel Pagnol poignantly describes how, “Pétanque has a specific rhythm, though it’s a slow one. Pensively we drink a glass of pastis, we bend the knees, the ball goes up in the air with a long curve, it falls on the ground and rolls with a gentle screech to the place where it stands still”.
