Although the popular French game of
pétanque has its origins in the south of France, it's become a favorite pastime throughout the country. According to the
Fédération Française de Pétanque et de Jeu Provençal, there are nearly 50
pétanque clubs within Paris alone, located in almost every corner of the city. Each club has its own "
terrain," or playing area, which may be a specially constructed "
boulodrome," or simply open ground in a park or along the center of a boulevard. Many clubs also claim a certain pub or neighborhood bistro as their headquarters (or
siège), the perfect place to grab a drink after the game, or for the losers to buy the winners a round. If you're interested in seeing where the
boulistes hang out, here are just a few places they're likely to be found.
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