It looks like the South… No need to wait for the holidays to catch the piano piano rhythm of the Marseillais. As you will have understood, petanque promises to be the trendiest sporting discipline of the summer. The new Parisian snobbery, in short. So, do you shoot or point? Discover our top elegant places to play bowls with panache.
The chicest
Parisian fashionistas in high heels love the chic boulodrome at Place Dauphine. This hidden gem, pedestrian-only, lies in the heart of Pont Neuf. Here's the plan: set up your gear on a bench, grab a bottle of rosé, some saucisson, and your best friends.
Square de la Place Dauphine, Place Dauphine, Paris 1st.
The most chill
Located on a real island the size of a football field, Rosa Bonheur in the Bois de Vincennes offers pétanque under the trees by the water. With just one well-defined rectangle, it's first come, first served! Under a Ricard umbrella, you can taunt your opponents with a pastis in hand and a charcuterie board (20€) by your side.
Rosa Bonheur à l’Est, Chalet de la Porte Jaune, Avenue de Nogent, Paris 12th. Open Wednesday-Thursday 5 PM to Midnight, Friday 5 PM to 2 AM, Saturday Noon to 2 AM, Sunday Noon until nightfall.
The most aristo
Young Louis XIV learned to ride horses here, and Virgil Abloh chose it for his first Louis Vuitton show. Amidst the splendid roses, statues, and fountains of the Palais Royal Garden, you can play pétanque. It feels like a vacation...
Jardin du Palais Royal, 2 Galerie de Montpensier, Paris 1st.
The most “group of friends”
By the Bassin de la Villette, BarOurcq offers free pétanque balls and deck chairs. Even better, DJ sets regularly liven up the evenings. Order a cold beer and some snacks to enjoy the sunset.
BarOurcq, 68 Quai de la Loire, Paris 19th. Open daily from 8 AM to 2 AM.
The most picturesque
In Montmartre, adorned with a fountain and romantic benches, the charming Square Suzanne Buisson hides a dream pétanque court, away from tourists. To enjoy this gem, arrive early!
Square Suzanne Buisson, 7 bis Rue Girardon, Paris 18th. Open daily from 8 AM to 8:30 PM.
Privatize your land
For an unforgettable birthday, team-building event, or even a wedding, the Paris ma Belle collective takes care of everything. They handle reservations for the most magical courts in Paris, such as those in Luxembourg Gardens, Montmartre's boulodrome, or the Arènes de Lutèce, including equipment, entertainment, and refereeing. Just gather your teams.
Price on request, excluding court rental fees.
Info & Reservations on www.parismabelle.com or call 06 67 52 62 90.
© Hans Sylvester
Discover also the top 5 must-see attractions at Paris Plages and the prettiest outdoor pools in Paris.
