Summer Fun in France: Traditional Games From Pétanque to Molkky

Essentially, a different name for the same game, boules or pétanque, is arguably one of France’s most ubiquitous games. Originally invented by the Gauls, this traditional game is played with hard boules (metal balls) thrown along a terrain towards a but (the “jack”). Played in teams, each player tries to throw their ball as close as possible to the but to score the most points.

While for many families, this is just an easy, fun game, you might be surprised by how seriously locals take this. Many villages have a pétanque pitch, and there are plenty of associations and tournaments you can join around the country.

There are various skittle games played around France, known as ‘quilles’ in French. The one we have found to be most common in France is Molkky, which, in fact, originates from Finland. Skittles are worth points, and as you knock them over, you accumulate points (each skittle has a different value). You can play individually or in teams, taking it in turns to throw the throwing skittle towards the numbered standing skittles.

Known as La Sokatira in Basque Country, this was first made popular by the Navy in the nineteenth century and is a display of brute strength. You’ll still find it played at community events and festivals in the Basque Country.

This is traditional in the Landes area of France and dates back to historical methods of shepherding. It is kept alive today by those fiercely protecting their heritage, and it is a huge draw for tourists when shows are put on in town squares. But this one is probably best left to the experienced!

Roll a ball

In Ronce les Bains on the Atlantic coast, there is a traditional stall on the seafront market with wooden boxes with holes cut into them. You are given three wooden balls, and the aim of the game is to score the highest points by getting the balls in the highest-scoring holes. It is not as easy as it sounds! It has been there for more than fifty years and is ever popular with a range of prizes to choose from.

Jeu de Palets Breton

Hailing from Brittany, another popular traditional game is the jeu de palets. Players throw small metal disks or pucks known as palets onto a wooden playing board, trying to get as close as possible to the master puck.

Our family and our guests enjoy Molkky, boules, and giant Jenga in the garden whilst the barbecue is being prepared!

Let us know in the comments which ones you’ve played or any that we’ve missed.