Page 43 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - France

TOP CURIOUS
5 SPORTS

Gouren
Breton wrestling with
barefoot contenders.
Jeu de Paume
There is still an annual
championship held for
this precursor of tennis.
Ballon au Poing
A handball game, hugely
popular in Picardy.
Bont
Points are awarded for
driving the ball through
a croquet­style hoop.
Snail Racing
Losers are tossed into
a pot and eaten.

Enjoy a Serving of a
French Grand Slam
The French Open is one of the
world's most prestigious tennis
cham pionships. Watch from the
stands or, inspired, hit the courts
at Nice’s Lawn Tennis Club
(www.niceltc.com) or atop Gare
Montparnasse (www.paris.fr)

Daria Kasatkina playing on the
famous clay courts during the
2018 French Open in Paris

Play Pétanque
Ah, the click of pétanque on a balmy summer
evening – it's the sound of France. This
bowling game's current form originated in
Provence in the late 19th century. Settle in
at a traditional café and watch the locals, or
perhaps join in yourself. In the Basque coun­
try, you’re more likely
to see pelota, a hand­
Locals bowling during ball game played on a
summer in Cannes court, being enjoyed.

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