The Pétanque Afternoon

This drop is demand-based and seasonal. Email founder@apresclub.ca to register interest.

THE PÉTANQUE AFTERNOON Place des Lices, Saint-Tropez, France Regular 

Date: After lunch. Always after lunch. Before that, no one is ready.

The Place des Lices in Saint-Tropez is shaded by ancient plane trees and has hosted countless games that once drew Brigitte Bardot and Eddy Barclay. They are gone. The plane trees remain. The locals still play every afternoon as if nothing has changed, because for them, nothing has. 

You will throw a metal ball at a smaller wooden ball called a cochonnet, which means little pig. This sounds simple. It is not simple. The man we've found to teach you has been playing on this square since 1987 and has watched tourists pick up a boule with the confidence of someone who has never been wrong about anything. He finds this peaceful.

You will play. You will lose. You will drink pastis, which tastes like a decision you've made before. You will play again. The afternoon will disappear in the way that only very good afternoons do — suddenly, and without warning.

What You'll Experience:

• A proper introduction to the most serious unserious game in Europe on its most iconic square
• Instruction from someone who does not find your enthusiasm charming but will tolerate it
• Pastis, rosé, and something salty to argue over
• The specific joy of an afternoon with nowhere to be
• The ceremonial humiliation of losing 13-0, which has its own French tradition we will explain when the time comes

Details:

• Ten guests maximum.
• Pétanque scales.
• Pastis, rosé, and snacks included
• Boules provided. Dignity optional.
• Flights to Nice not included
• Accommodation not included
• Previous pétanque experience not required. 
• Previous humility helpful.

This drop is demand-based. If you're interested, email founder@apresclub.ca.

For those who learned early that the best afternoons have no agenda.