Pétanque is the game French village squares run on — heavy steel boules thrown underarm at a small wooden jack across gravel — and Bryant Park is the rare American park that keeps proper courts for it and lends the equipment for nothing. The courts sit right on Sixth Avenue at the 42nd Street corner, which makes for one of the better contradictions in the city: a slow Provençal pastime played in the shadow of Midtown office towers. It takes a minute to learn and an afternoon to get good at.
What to expect
Collect boules, the jack and the circle from the attendant and take an open stretch of gravel. Games are played in teams or one-on-one, and the boule closest to the jack wins the end. Regulars play most afternoons and are generally happy to explain the scoring to newcomers.
Good to know
- 42nd Street–Bryant Park on the B/D/F/M leaves you at the Sixth Avenue corner where the courts are
- All equipment is lent free — there is nothing to buy or bring
- Boules are heavy steel; keep small children clear of the throwing lanes
- The gravel courts are uneven, so wear closed shoes
- Courts run seasonally with the warm weather rather than year-round
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Common questions
Is equipment provided?
Yes — boules, the target jack and the playing circle are all lent free of charge at the courts.
Where are the courts?
On the gravel along Sixth Avenue, at the 42nd Street corner entrance and north of 41st Street.
Do I need to know the rules?
No. The basics take a minute to learn and the attendant or the regulars will walk you through scoring.
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