Pétanque
Learn and play this French game of “boules"
Pétanque is a French game of “boules” (balls), where each player strives to throw metal balls as close as possible to a smaller wooden ball, named the “cochonnet”. Game strategies include “pointing,” when a player throws his ball to have it roll as close to the cochonnet as possible, and “shooting,” when a player aims for the ball of an opponent hoping to move him out of a favorable spot.
Hours
Open today 11:00am–7:00am
April – October
Monday – Friday: 11am-7pm
Hours are weather permitting
Location
Pétanque games are staged on the gravel area near the Sixth Avenue and 42nd Street corner. Tournaments are played on the gravel paths around the Bryant Park lawn.
Equipment
Needed: A good set (3) of Pétanque balls, a wooden “jack” (target ball), and a rigid playing circle. All equipment necessary is provided at our Pétanque Courts.
Host a party at Pétanque
Arrange an office tournament for team spirit, or celebrate a birthday party with a French twist. The Pétanque courts are available for party rentals and special events. Instruction and other add-ons can be arranged. It’s a taste of Paris in the park!
Afterward, celebrate with drinks and no-wait entry at Manhattan’s hottest after-work scenes, Bryant Park Cafe and Southwest Porch.
If you need more information, or have special requests for your party, we are here to help. Email your inquiries to celebrate@urbanmgt.com.
La Boule New Yorkaise
Trained instructors from La Boule New Yorkaise will help show you the ropes. La Boule New Yorkaise is a New York City pétanque club (over 100 members) affiliated with the Federation of Pétanque USA Inc. (FPUSA). The club is dedicated to the promotion of pétanque as a fun and recreational activity, as well as a competitive sport. In 1986, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2002 a team (3 players) from La Boule New Yorkaise won the right to represent the United States at the (men’s) World Championship. In 1994 and 2002, women players from La Boule New Yorkaise were members of the USA Women’s team which represented the United States at the Women’s World Championship.
For information, contact Ernesto Santos of La Boule New Yorkaise at info@labouleny.com.
