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Terrain des Boules, St-Paul de Vence
Pétanque with the locals and the stars
One of the most famous pétanque playing grounds is in the Place Général de Gaulle in Saint-Paul where expert locals take on celebrities at this quintessentially French pastime.
"Perhaps the most iconic terrain de boules in France (hotly contested by the Place des Lices in St Tropez) is twenty minutes from us in St Paul de Vence. It is a prestigious place to play, frequented by celebrities, locals and tourists alike and made famous by its association with Yves Montand, Lino Ventura and Fernandel who used to play here.
"It is here that a most unusual mascot can be found. Pétanque is played to 13 points and if a player loses shamefully without having scored at all, 0-13, he or she has to "faire Fanny" or "kiss Fanny" to the jeers (albeit lighthearted and humorous jeers) of the winners. Fanny is usually a puppet kept in the clubhouse but in St Paul it is a sculpture of a pair of buttocks in white frilly knickers behind a curtain created by none other than the renowned French sculptor César. It is on a wall in the Café de la Place next to the boules pitch, so what better way to end a visit to St Paul than by sipping an apéro (pastis, naturally) on the café's terrace while watching the boules and taking a peek at France's most famous "Fanny"." - Lou Messugo
Information from the blog of Lou Messugo.
Worth knowing
You can hire balls, and even get a lesson, from the Tourist Office in St Paul. But if there are local playing then they will be more than happy to show you the ropes!
Who should go
A great way to spend some time with family and / or friends. Pétanque is a particularly social game, played by all ages.
