Did You Know?

Let the Summer Games Begin – Pétanque!

Happy Memorial Day!

My guess is that you are all spending today out in the beautiful weather enjoying some outdoor games with friends and family. I don’t know about you, but
I’m bored of the prospect of the same old games. Horse shoes (yawn), volleyball (I’m too short) and croquet (dangerous). Isn’t it time for something new
and exciting?

Well I have a game for you. It’s not especially new but it is exciting! The French game of Pétanque. Created in the early 1900s, this one is an oldie but a
goody! The sport is a game of “boules,” meaning it is played with hollow metal balls. From within a circle, a player throws a boule underhand and tries to
come as close as they can to the “cochonnet,” a small wooden ball, also known as a “jack”. Players take turns throwing their boule until each team runs
out. A team receives one point for every boule they place closer to the jack then the opposing team. The first team to reach 13 points wins!

About 17 million people in France play Pétanque, which is why it’s a LEAP! Activity on ourParis and Nice educational tour, giving students a truly
authentic experience.

Other games similar to Pétanque are Italy’s “Bocce” and the game “Bowls,” which is popular in the UK, Australia and New Zealand among other countries.

For more on Pétanque, visit their official website: http://www.petanque.org/