Chapter Programs Pétanque at the French Legation: AF d'Austin (TX)
On the 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month, between 2 PM and 5 PM, members and guests of Alliance Francaise d'Austin get together on the beautiful grounds of the historic French Legation to play a favorite pastime sport of France - Petanque!
Novices and experienced players team up to share the enjoyment of this simple but exciting game that can be enjoyed by both adults and children.
While some players have their own boules, the AF d'Austin provides plenty of additional sets - including several plastic sets for children. Several of the more skilled players volunteer to teach novices the basic rules of petanque.
The shade trees and gravel walkways all around the French Legation provide excellent "courts" in which to spend lazy afternoons sharing both the sport of petanque and conversations in all levels of French and English. The spacious grounds permit as many as five games to be played at the same time.
Usually from 20 to 30 people show up. The crowd is quite cosmopolitan and includes players from France and the USA, as well as a variety of other countries. Moreover participants are invited to bring a typical dish or drink from their native country for the afternoon potluck, so the afternoon ends with quite an international feast!
