Pétanque, or boules as it is more commonly known abroad, is a Provençal institution and can be played on just about any dusty, gritty surface, at all times of the year. For two days in June, La Bouleheureuse ("the Happy Ball") in Fayence/Tourrettes hosts the annual Regionals for this part of France; which also attracts many of the world's best players.
Sponsored by ITB (a specialist wood construction firm in PACA), the event is hosted by the thirteen times World champion, Henri Lacroix (who was born in the Var). Competitors include both amateurs and professionals and the format is to play in triplets, on the Robert-Fabre and Tourrettes bowling alleys. Access to the bowling alleys is free and on site a refreshment bar with catering awaits fans.
15th Edition of the Grand Prix ITB de Fayence - 2024
This year, the event returns to its usual mid-June weekend timings (having been held mid-week in 2023 to avoid a clash with the Nice International). So the dates are the 15-16 June 2024. Serge Billard, the president of Bouleheureuse, promises that “all the big names in pétanque will be there, like every year, for this ITB Fayence grand prize”. Information at 06.33.64.53.29. (Registrations by text message to this number).
As has been the case for the last few years, a mixed regional grand prix (of the municipalities of Fayence/Tourrettes) will take place alonsgide the main Men's Grand Prix (and will be in a pétanque doubles format).
Review of the 14th Fayence Pétanque Regionals - 2023
The grand prize competition was limited to 128 teams. The Godfather of the Regional - Henri Lacroix - took the victory (playing with Ligan Doeer and Robin Rio) by 13 to 9 against the trio of Michel Hatchadourian, Kevin Bonvarlet, and Jean Philippe Santucci:
A Video Taster
Straight from the club's Facebook, this video gives a reaction from Pétanque Champion Mason Durk, upon arriving in the beautiful village of Fayence:
How to Get there
By train/taxi: Take a train on the super-fast TGV route to Saint-Raphaël Valescure station, then catch a local taxi for the 35km drive up to Fayence.
By car: Leave the A8 (Nice – Aix en Provence) autoroute at exit 39 (direction "Fayence /Les Adrets de l 'Estérel") and drive a delightful route around the Lake of Saint-Cassien on the D37 into the Valley of Fayence. Follow signs from there on the D562, D19, D563 to the centre of the village.
By bus: Whilst car is probably your best bet, you can reach Fayence by bus with some effort. The village is served by the ZOU regional network; and timetables are available at their website: https://zou.maregionsud.fr/
Resources
Accommodation
With stunning panoramic views, private pool, super-fast broadband and modern air-conditioning, Haute Vue is a large Vacation rental with private pool in Montauroux; just a short drive from the tournament site. Sleeping 10/12 in 5/6 bedrooms, it is the perfect central base for a holiday in the South of France; close to the beautiful perched villages of Provence and in easy reach of the beaches and sights of the sparkling Côte d'Azur.
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