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.

Chaises vides

On this November day, I was disappointed to see that there were no pétanque players. The spectators stayed home as well. Triste.

Les joueurs de pétanque

I"m currently gathering street photography images for a program I'm presenting for the Shades Valley Camera Club this coming Thursday. It's been great fun combing my files. I found some very good memories of my favorite pétanque guys at the Jardin du Luxembourg.

Le spectateur

The pétanque courts at the Jardin du Luxembourg always draws spectators.

Pétanque Place Dauphine

I have photographed the pétanque players many many times, mostly at Luxembourg Gardens. This trip through the lovely and quiet Place Dauphine, I caught some players there for the first time.

Pétanque dans le jardin

It is no secret that I fell in love with the game of pétanque and the players in June, 2009. That day, while Eva and Davis played on the playground in Luxembourg Gardens, I wandered down the walkway and discovered pétanque. It's boules in the south and bocce in Italy. This game is played with metal balls and there are numerous courts laid out for the very serious players, who seem to come day after day, even in the winter. I sat on a green bench and took it all in. After a while, one of the players spotted me and enjoyed my photographs. He and his friends tried to explain the rules to my delight. Now, every trip I seek them out. As happens a lot in Paris, I sometimes find the same gentlemen there again and again. This last trip in November, 2014, I had the luck to visit them two Sundays. I have a series I'm working on. I'd like to do an exhibit or share in another way. Anyone have an idea?

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.

Vintage Pétanque

This well worn set of pétanque balls in its case was very tempting.  Being a carryon only girl, they were sadly out of the question. Je regrette.

Les ombres

Late on a winter afternoon, the pétanque players are winding down another day of cutthroat play at the Luxembourg Garden courts.

Le spectateur

I find the spectators around the pétanque courts at Luxembourg Gardens  as interesting as the players! Every trip back to Paris, I find the time to come here and watch. Paris moments I treasure.

Les Ombres

Late on a cold Sunday afternoon in January,  the pétanque players were still at it. I'm thinking that probably the only thing that keeps them home might be rain and snow!

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!

Perfect Pétanque Weather

Look at that smile!

 I think the only thing that keeps these enthusiastic pétanque players at home might be rain, sleet or snow.  Certainly a cold afternoon in January was not a deterrent! ( I think the spectators are almost as interesting.)

Jardin du Luxembourg bien sûr!

Keep Your Eye on the Ball

I fret.  I fret a lot over my blogs. I worry about the quality of my photographs, or if  I'm boring my dear readers when I post  too many photographs on the same subject/theme ...... like pétanque.  This is what I've decided ( for the moment).  When I'm lucky enough to get to Paris, I photograph what pleases my eye, makes me laugh or stand in awe,  or evokes a memory I don't ever want to forget.  Getting to know and photograph the pétanque players at Luxembourg Gardens continues to be an experience I want to revisit each trip.  Watching the diverse group of players and spectators, never ceases to delight.  For me as a bystander ( not to mention a foreigner) watching these men doing what they love everyday, is like being invited into the "inner circle" of Parisian life.   I hope you understand.

Le Cigare

Pétanque at the Jardin du Luxembourg is serious business.  Here Monsieur concentrates before the throw.

Le débat

Jardin du Luxembourg

It seems that faithful pétanque players enjoy their game year round.  In fact, I think I recognized several of these players from previous trips.  This very chilly Sunday, they donned jackets and scarves and seemed to be having a bit of a discussion, which I've observed,  happens quite often.

Le Spectateur

I am charmed by the fact that most of the men that come to Luxembourg Gardens to watch the pétanque players, take the time to dress for the occasion.  Another reason I love Paris.

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Boules

This was my favorite find at the Grande Brocante - Quartier Saint Blaise last month in the 20eme. Since I have often enjoyed photographing the pétanque players at Luxembourg and the Palais Royal gardens, I especially loved seeing this vintage set in its nicely worn case.

Merci Claudine pour cette vidéo!!

Pétanque - Les Spectateurs

It is really no secret that photographing the pétanque players in Luxembourg Gardens last summer was one of my favorite pastimes, but I found the specateurs just as interesting! This next trip, I plan to go right back, pull up a chair and hopefully make some new friends !