Anywhere in France you could drive through a town or little village and all you have to do is to look for a shady spot under some plane- or chestnut trees in a quiet corner away from cars, cycles and other disturbing influences and you will find a group of people playing pétanque or also called jue de boule. And it is not just the older men playing it, but also the young ones and even children and what’s more, the old and young are playing it together. They will turn up practically every day weather permitting and while away the afternoon socializing.