Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Pétanque - Jardin du Luxembourg



Although I have never played Pétanque, one can learn much by watching. 
The guys playing in Le Luco* on a Sunday afternoon were experts in form and accuracy. 

A few fine points:

All of the balls are a dull silver color without any special markings,
but everybody seems to know which ones are theirs.  Actually, they come in different sizes, weights, groove patterns, and hardness.

Do you see the pendant around his neck? 
It is a cord with a boule lifter magnet, perfect for picking up his boules
without stooping over.

Don't forget about the soft cloth to wipe off grit from the boules

(*Le Luco - the nickname for Luxembourg Gardens)



Jardin du Luxembourg
75006, Paris


17 comments:

Rob-bear said...

LIfe is good when you having a ball. Or bolue.

You're having quite the adventure, Genie.

Pat said...

A boule-lifter! I was just about to ask what that was. Wonderful catch.

This is Belgium said...

enjoyed reading your reaction to Virginia's post and learning that you felt like a movie star in Paris !
anni

Joe said...

Great action shot and a very perceptive description.

Janey and Co. said...

Amazing..you caught that ball in the air!

I wonder...do women ever play this game?

SRQ said...

Nice slice of life Paris style. J'adore le Luco!

Virginia said...

I'm pretty sure this is the gentlemen that helped explain the rules to me in 2009. The group I was watching and photographing couldn't say in ENglish something so they sent me down to his court for assistance! Small world. Love the ball in mid air.
V

Maria said...

Very nice picture, but the hat isn't very French or did I mis something?
Regards,
Maria

Malyss said...

Did you hear the famous: "Tu la tires ou tu la pointes?"..!

Alexa said...

Such concentration! (Note to Maria: France has cowboys too—maybe was once one of them.)

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Oh yes, women play too! I have photos and will use for another post... taken at Bassin de la Villette.

...back later
Genie

Loree said...

How very interesting. It seems to be one of those games that looks boring if you're on the outside looking in but, at the same time, has its own quirkiness.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Malyss, I would like to be a shooter but I think that I would need some practice!

We enjoyed watching them and the intensity with which they play. I have some other shots of families and young mixed groups playing on a Sunday afternoon.

Bises,
Genie

Sara Louise said...

I lived here for almost two years before learning how to play and now I'm hooked! I love it - it's the perfect way to cap off a long Sunday lunch :)

Louis la Vache said...

hee hee...
You almost always find at least one game of pétanque being played at Jardin du Luxembourg.
;-D

Anonymous said...
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PerthDailyPhoto said...

You have to try it Genie, it's great fun at family gatherings. I like the sound of the 'boule lifter' that would save a bit of knee bending!