Search Results for: pétanque

Christine van der Linden · Hans Zeegers · Inspire · Provencal History & Traditions

Why Pétanque the Game is the Soul of Life in Southern France

July 3, 2025

Beneath the dappled shade of plane trees across Provence, a timeless tradition unfolds daily as silver balls arc through the air with precision and purpose. Pétanque, France’s beloved boules game, represents far more than mere recreation—it embodies the essence of southern French culture and community. Pétanque: A Cultural Cornerstone In the sun-drenched villages and towns

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Inspire · Provencal History & Traditions · Virginie Van Der Wees

Pétanque Provence’s Favourite Game is Balls of Fun

February 6, 2023

Join us for a French immersion stay in Provence with us, where your accommodation is a private bungalow next to our Mas. During your immersion, you will have 3 hours of lessons per day. We will share two meals together a day, and we will do two excursions together in the week. If you wish,

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Guest Post · Inspire

Pétanque is Provence’s Sport

March 17, 2020

Provence is famous for many things. It’s a hotbed of culture, with many notable painters from the region, or living there for a while. The list includes Vincent van Gogh, who lived in Provence from early 1888 to the Spring of 1890, and Pablo Picasso, who spent each summer on the French Riviera for 20

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Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire · Provencal History & Traditions

Understanding Boules: Why The Game of Pétanque is Like Religion in Provence

June 19, 2018

A reason to gather in a central location, a place to rest, a circle of trust  and refreshments. It is not a huge stretch to think of pétanque, also known as boules, as a form of religion in Provence. In most Provencal villages, there is a place where the townsfolk come together for the social connection and

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Guest Post

Pétanque the Story of Gaining Admission into a Circle of Trust in Provence

June 8, 2017

The following guest post is by Paul Shore the author of “Uncorked My Year in Provence.” Find out more about his book on pétanque and expat living here and visit his website here. Le Cercle in Saint-Paul de Vence International travellers and those who have relocated to live expat lives in foreign places, know all too

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Books on Provence · Carolyne Kauser-Abbott · Inspire

Paul Shore Uncorks the Secrets of Pétanque – Provence Book

March 10, 2017

Almost two decades have passed since Paul Shore rented what he described as a “cave” in the famous hilltop village of Saint-Paul de Vence. The hamlet is known as the one-time home of painter Marc Chagall, and the place that also captivated the attention of Alexander Calder, Joan Miró and other artists. Some of their

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Ginger and Nutmeg · Inspire · Provencal History & Traditions

Pétanque Provence’s Other Religion

November 26, 2015

The game of pétanque, sometimes called boules is a form of religion in Provence. Most villages have an official or unofficial boules pitch. The more elaborate centres will even have a “clubhouse” offering refreshments. The word pétanque is Provencal in origin from the word petanca, which means “feet anchored”. The game in its’ present-day format started in La

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