Pétanque å Paris

Just before I left for Paris, my friend David Livingston sent an email with one request, pétanque players. I assured him that if the weather cooperated, I"d have some for him. Our last day in Paris, we brunched at Treize then met Peter and walked through the Jardin du Luxembourg . It had poured rain earlier, so there weren't the usual suspects there, but voila! My favorite guys were on their usual court. I'm pretty proud of this one.

Boules

A few years ago, Mary Gilbert drug me to the 20eme to what was advertised as a "grande brocante" that would cover many streets in Quartier Saint-Blaise. We had visions of miles and miles of antique French treasures that we could snatch up at a great price. What we found was similar to American garage sales, rows upon rows of less than chic items. We were rather discouraged until I spotted what might have been the best item anyone had to offer.  This vintage pétanque set in a worn case caught my eye. If I could have figured a way to fly it home, it would be mine.  Alas, I had to pass it up.

Here in the states, people love bocce ball and boules. With my limited knowledge, I think I can safely say that pétanque is similar to both but played with smaller metal balls. I think my love of this set stems from the delightful times I've spent in Paris watching the men ( and a few women) play pétanque in the gardens.

La Grande Brocante

Mary and I struck out for a grande brocante in the 20 ème one Saturday.  I'll admit we were sorely disappointed in the offerings.  This was the one and only item I would have paid for if I'd been able to get this vintage case of pétanque balls in my carryon.  Oh the stories they could tell.

Bonne Chance Monsieur!

I discovered the pétanque gentlemen for the first time at Luxembourg Gardens, the summer of 2009.  That day I pulled up a chair and got friendly with a group of men, some of whom I see over and over when I return.  They were a mix of nationalities and only one spoke any English at all. They were very friendly and tried as best they could to explain the game.  One thing I've noticed, is that a cloth to wipe the dust off the metal balls seems to be obligatory.  I have never seen one quite this worn and tattered. I'm thinking it might bring bonne chance!

Update: Merci to my blog friend Herm who has kindly written a little poem explaining the tradition of La Fanny in pétanque right here!