What is Pétanque?
Pétanque (pronounced pay-tonk) is a beloved French game that originated in Provence in the early 20th century. It's a cousin of bocce and lawn bowling, but with its own unique charm. The goal? Toss hollow metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden target ball called the cochonnet (little pig).
How to play
Pétanque is played by two teams, where each team consists of one, two, or three players. In the singles and doubles games each player has three boules; in triples each player has only two.
The starting team draws a circle on the ground which is 35-50 centimeters in diameter: all players must throw their boules from within this circle, with both feet remaining on the ground. The first player throws the jack 6–10 meters away.
A player from the team that threw the jack then throws their first boule. A player from the opposing team then makes a throw. Play continues with the team that is not closest to the jack having to continue throwing until they either land a boule closer to the jack than their opponents or run out of boules.
Why Should You Give Pétanque a Try?
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A Social Dream: Pétanque is the perfect excuse to gather friends and family. It's as much about the banter and bonding as it is about the game itself. Picture yourself sharing laughs and friendly competition under the open sky – that's the Pétanque experience!
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Gentle on the Body, Big on Fun: Unlike high-impact sports, Pétanque is easy on your joints. It's an ideal low-impact exercise that keeps you moving without the strain. Perfect for all ages and fitness levels!
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Embrace the Great Outdoors: In our screen-dominated world, Pétanque offers a refreshing escape. Feel the breeze, soak up some vitamin D, and reconnect with nature while you play. It's a mini-vacation in your local beer garden!
Pétanque is more than just a game – it's a lifestyle. It embodies the French joie de vivre (joy of living) and brings a touch of Mediterranean charm to wherever you play.
Ready to roll? Grab some friends, find a set of boules (or borrow some of ours), and let the good times roll! Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite pastime. Allez, on joue à la pétanque! (Come on, let's play Pétanque!)
Join Us for a Game of Petanque This Wednesday!
Whether you have never throw a boule before or a seasoned enthusiast, petanque offers a delightful way to spend quality time with others while enjoying the great outdoors. Come and experience the joy of petanque for yourself!
If you are unable to make it up on a Wednesday then contact us on contact@norwich-petanque.co.uk. We can put on a come & try event for a group of people should we have enough demand.