Bay Area Pétanque Players

Pétanque (pronounced "pay-tonk") originated in Provence, France at the turn of the last century. It's played with metal balls (boules) and, like horseshoes and bocce, is easy to learn and fun to play. You throw the boules while standing with your feet together in a circle. There's a small wooden target ball (the cochonnet), which you have to get as close as possible to. What makes the game so appealing, is that you can be way ahead for a while, yet lose a second later, or vice versa. Because nothing is decided until the last player plays the very last boule. If he or she moves the cochonnet or hits an opponent's boule out of the way, the layout of the boules - and thus your score - can change dramatically.

Note: to explain to new members why we haven't had a game recently: our usual venue closed! Flood Park in Menlo Park where our Petanque Court is located has been entirely closed since the end of 2010 for renovations and other work to take place. We are eagerly awaiting for it to reopen so we can start to play again on a more regular basis.

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Recent Meetups

February 20, 2011 at 11:00 AM, 12 Pétanque Players attended
Lamorinda Petanque Club - Valentines Melee Tournament
They rated it 4.004 (4 ratings) and uploaded 47 photos

“
Great court, lots of help and friendly people. Kees

—Kees den Breejen

“
Wonderful time. Excellent people. Superlative game.

—William Judd
October 10, 2010 at 1:15 PM, 11 Pétanque Players attended
Pastis and Pétanque #9
Pétanque (pronounced "pay-tonk") originated in Provence, France at the turn of the last century. It's played with metal balls (boules) and, like horseshoes and bocce, is... Learn more
September 19, 2010 at 1:15 PM, 12 Pétanque Players attended
Pastis and Pétanque #8
Pétanque (pronounced "pay-tonk") originated in Provence, France at the turn of the last century. It's played with metal balls (boules) and, like horseshoes and bocce, is... Learn more
August 1, 2010 at 1:15 PM, 12 Pétanque Players attended
Pastis and Pétanque #7
They rated it 5.003 (3 ratings) and uploaded 3 photos

“
tres sympa. I had a great discussion with Larry.

—bernard

“
Great group of people.................great game..............great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

—Martha
May 23, 2010 at 1:15 PM, 12 Pétanque Players attended
Pastis and Pétanque #6
They rated it 5.001 (1 ratings)

Pétanque (pronounced "pay-tonk") originated in Provence, France at the turn of the last century. It's played with metal balls (boules) and, like horseshoes and bocce, is... Learn more

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What's new

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New Member

J.J. Enser joined
February 6 at 9:18 PM

"humble and amateur player, looking for opportunities to practice the game and share the pleasure with others."
New Member

richard spencer joined
February 6 at 7:52 PM
New Member

Kathleen Price joined
January 30 at 7:09 PM

"I love this game! Played not too long ago with some friends in South Bay. I lived in Nice, and speak French, so have a real feeling for this activity."
New Member

Leila joined
January 18 at 4:56 PM

"hi, just moved to SF and haven't played in a few years. eager to meet the group!"
New Member

Lynn joined
January 14 at 7:49 PM

"It would be fun to get together and play petanque while pretending to be in France...sipping a pastis."
New Member

luc joined
December 22, 2011 at 2:52 PM
New Member

David joined
November 23, 2011 at 9:15 PM
New Member

Bess joined
November 20, 2011 at 11:37 AM
New Member

JACQUELINE joined
November 4, 2011 at 2:19 PM

"Hi, I've played a few times, and it's fun. Jacqueline"
New Member

Russ joined
November 1, 2011 at 8:59 AM

"I have a pétanque set that I'd like to use."