Boules

From Discover France: "The game of boules, otherwise known as pétanque, is perhaps the sport that is closest to French hearts. Similar to British lawn bowling or Italian bocce , the French version is traditionally played with metallic balls on a dirt surface beneath plane trees, with a glass of pastis at hand. The local boulodrome is a social focal point in southern France."


There is a boulodrome right below the house we are renting. Not pictured are the plane trees or the pastis, or the cigarettes, which must dangle at the proper Gallic angle for best results.