petanque | A French Collection

Breton Boules

The game of Breton boules is an ancient ball game that's played in the western part of France, Brittany. Breton boules is very similar to classic boules or pétanque, but it's rules are slightly different. Breton boules is played in our village almost every day on the single terrain behind the Tabac (bar) and at the boulodrome (multi-terrain competition field) when there's inter-village competitions. Competitions are fun to participate in with most of the village turning out to play or watch and with visitors from nearby villages bolstering numbers, the stalls selling frites (hot chips) and saucisses (sausages) get busy and are great spots for some lively conversations.

An easy game to play at home (maybe minus a terrain) and one of the best ways to immerse yourself in French life when in France. Just ask if you can join in, and unless it’s an inter-commune competition, you’ll be welcomed to participate. If you’re having trouble sourcing a boules game for yourself, then take a look at this game available on Amazon.

The Rules of Boules

Whenever you're in France you'll likely will see a game of boules being played either in little villages or main town squares, or even be asked to join in on a game of boules. It's a popular game played by old and young. I originally thought it may be preferred by the older generation but in our village, children and young adults all play in the terrain (single playing ground) behind our local Tabac (bar) or at the boulodrome (boules competition field) when inter-commune championships are held. It's a lively event when there's a competition and it's on for young and old.

In our village Breton boules is played which is particular to our region with different rules and not with the metallic boules, but a larger resin ball. Read our full article on Breton Boules here. Joining in a local boules game is a great way to meet people and immerse yourself in French culture. If you’re having trouble sourcing a boules game for yourself, then take a look at this game available on Amazon. A lovely story of our Australian friends who stayed at our home, joined in boules games at our bar and made lasting memories can be read in our post Aussies in France.