Petanque with the Pros

Sunday afternoon in the south of France wouldn't be complete without a game of Petanque. Marielle's family-- those darling southern gents-- taught us a thing or two about the game. Serious players, her father and uncle have clearly mastered the sport, even if the court's terrain happens to be a sloping, gravel road where small rocks and holes create impossible obstacles. After our taureau feast, we headed uphill to the top of the driveway and chose our 5-person teams. (I was one of two girls.)



Overlooking the Cypress trees and olive groves, bathed in afternoon light, the view from the road was stupendous. Pictured at right: Marielle's uncle demonstrates proper Petanque position. On numerous occasions, he ruthlessly nailed the boules in the first place spot.