Pétanque is akin to boules, or horseshoes. There is a target ball and the object is to get as close to it as possible. Hollow metal balls are tossed at the target while standing inside a starting circle, both feet on the ground – the name pétanque is said to be derived from the Occitan word meaning “feet anchored”. The game is best played on hard dirt which allows the balls to roll. We caught this game outside the old walls of Carcassonne in the southern Languedoc-Roussillon region of France, but it is played worldwide and there is even an International Federation of Pétanque.
Beyond the Brush 
I was interested to find out the difference between Pétanque and Boules. I have seen this game played in many campsites in France and the players used both names. You and I must have been in Carcassone on almost the same day! I enjoyed it, but it was very commercialised. I have since visited lots of other, smaller medieval towns with a lot fewer people and still plenty of fascinating history!
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Yes, we have come across a few gems of villages on those days when we just decide to wander the roads. I have had a love affair with southern France ever since my first visit 40 years ago.
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I can identify with the love affair with southern France 🙂
I have enjoyed the Loire Valley as well – lots of châteaux to explore there!
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Carcassone, now that’s a place I’d like to visit, such history!
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We really enjoyed our visit there – fascinating history to be able to walk through.
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