Petanque 101 — France's Beloved Lawn Game with Boules
- Players:
- 1–6 players
- Region:
- France
- Tags:
- 1on1, 少人数, 投擲, 欧州, 家族向け
What is this game?
Petanque (pétanque) is a boules-style throwing game that originated in
Provence, France in the early 1900s. Players take turns tossing palm-sized
metal balls (boules) toward a small wooden target ball (cochonnet).
The team whose boule lands closest scores points.
The name comes from the Provençal phrase pieds tanqués ("feet planted"),
referring to the standing posture: both feet stay inside a small circle
during the throw.
Equipment & setup
- Boules — 3 per player; metal, 70.5–80 mm diameter, 650–800 g
- Cochonnet — small wooden target ball, ~30 mm diameter
- Tape measure — to settle close calls
- Ground — grass, dirt, or fine gravel. A 3–4 m clear circle is enough
Casual plastic sets are widely available for a few dollars; they're great for lawn parties and beginners.
Players & ages
| Format | Players | Boules each |
|---|---|---|
| Singles (tête-à-tête) | 1 vs 1 | 3 |
| Doubles (doublette) | 2 vs 2 | 3 |
| Triples (triplette) | 3 vs 3 | 2 |
Anyone can play. Use lighter plastic boules for kids; full metal for adults.
Rules
Minimal rules (just play)
- Pick first team. Draw a 50 cm throwing circle on the ground
- The first team throws the cochonnet 6–10 m away from the circle
- Same player throws their first boule, trying to land near the cochonnet
- The opposing team throws next
- From then on, whichever team's nearest boule is farthest keeps throwing
- After all boules are thrown, the team closest to the cochonnet scores one point per boule that beats the opponent's nearest one
- First to 13 points wins
Standard rules
- Throw underhand (palm down). Spin is allowed
- "Shooting" (
tir) — knocking opponents' boules out of position - Both feet must stay in the circle during the throw
Official competition rules
The International Petanque Federation (FIPJP) defines exact distances, turn order, foul rules, and measurement procedures. National federations like the JPBF in Japan run official tournaments.
Tips for enjoying the game
Common beginner mistakes
- Don't throw hard. A high arc that lands gently rolls less and stays put
- Read the ground. Grass slows boules; gravel makes them roll. Adjust
- Compare distances every throw. If yours is closer, the opponent throws next
How to make it more fun
- A clean "shoot" that knocks the leader away is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Aim slightly above the target boule for better impact
- 13 points takes a while. Try 8-point games for casual play
- True French style: long, lazy games next to a BBQ or picnic
Age variations
- Kids: plastic boules, 4–5 m throws, simplified "closest wins" rules
- Seniors: sit-down throwing or wheelchair-friendly. Indoor on carpet works
- Competitive play: painted circle, regulation tape measure, official ball weights
Playing petanque in Japan
- Official metal sets cost ~$150 (set of 3). Start with plastic ($15)
- Public park grass can be hard, making boules bounce. Keep distance from others
- The Japan Petanque & Boule Federation (JPBF) has local clubs and beginner events
Learn more
- FIPJP — International Petanque Federation
- JPBF — Japan Petanque & Boule Federation
- French film "La Boule" (the petanque ball)
- Related: see also Kubb, Bocce, and Boules