Boulles …A French Passtime

Here in Canada we spent hours ‘pitching horseshoes”. In Italy they play Bocce. The British play lawn bowling. But in France, Boulles or Petanque rules the day. It’s seen on quiet streets, in parks (where special areas are set out) or back yards. There is a degree of skill involved as a player tosses a ball underhanded with an arc to make it land softly. Closest to the tiny cochonnet wins points. In a world of televised sports, Boulles has taken a back seat, but that doesn’t mean the sport (if it is a true sport) has not captured the interest and imagination of the players. In France alone there are over 600,000 members of the Petanque Federation. But local groups that meet in the park number about 17 million people. It contributes to relaxation, camaraderie and a chance to relax away from the house. Unlike any other ball game, including bowling, the ball or boulle is made of steel and the object is to get it closest to a small wooden ball called a cochonnet. This is made of beech wood and is only one inch or 1-3/8 inches in diameter. There is strategy, of course but to the French it’s a very serious pastime. The steel ball weights from 650 to 800 grams. A lighter ball may be easier to throw but the slightly smaller ball can miss its target by millimeters. And oddly enough the stronger you throw the less accurate you can be. This is a game of finesse. Gauge your speed carefully to get the best results. This might take practice. While the game is played mostly by men, women enjoy the sport and often use lighter balls. In many countries it seems like the men are playing in the parks while their spouses are tending the children or fixing the meal. It is not unusual to see men gathering with their cleaning rags, sub hat and ball carriers. In Canada the Italian community plays Bocce, their own name for a similar game. In France, it’s a thing to do with friends. Yes, you may knock your opponent’s ball away if your aim is good and many players seem to have the touch to make the boulle come to rest within a foot or less of their objective. Sometimes there are three or four games going on in the same park or field. All it takes is a sandy, hard surface, a few friends and a ball set. Nearest the cochonnet is best but often the strategy is to knock your opponent’s ball away. This takes talent and is the ‘coup de grace,’ they say. The shot is the ‘carreau’ and often knocks the opponent’s ball out of the boundary and out of the game. The scoring differs in different places. Thirteen is usually a winning goal. I’ve seen people play up to twenty one. In some cases, where there is no tiny cochonnet available, other small objects may suffice. Measurement is essential and it is that which draws the loudest argument. A tape measure or calipers should be used for accuracy. There should be an official score-keeper for final ruling. Shade from the sun is essential as a player can by outside for hours. A smooth cleaning cloth is always a good thing. The next time you see a game under-way, join the spectators. You may try it and, as so many others have done, you’ll become addicted. Call it Boulls, Petanque, Bocce or anything you like. But once you play it, you’ll want more. There are rule books, manufacturers and associations in many countries. In France, you can write to:   ZI la Valentine, 57 Montee de S. Menet, 13011 Marseille Tel: 04-91-43-27-20 They can tell you where to purchase the sets complete with carrying case. There are always old boulles for sale, new or used. The cost may be 5 Euros or 50 Euros with a carrying bag. This is the fourth most popular sport in France and all questions or membership information can be secured at: Federation Francaise de Petanque et jeu provencal (FFPJP) For seniors, women, men or children’s groups. Tel: 04 91140580 They are at 13, rue Trigance, 13002 Marseille. VOILA!