A myth has fallen. Marseille is not the capital of pétanque. But it is Toulouse that takes first place on the podium in terms of the number of bowling alleys installed in the city. This is revealed by a study carried out by INSEE.
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When we talk about pétanque, we always think of the people of Marseille. And yet, it is in Toulouse that you can best practice this hobby. A very serious study by INSEE tells us that the pink city is the best equipped in France in terms of bowling alleys.
With 101 bowling alleys listed by INSEE, Toulouse takes first place on the podium of the best equipped cities in France. The pink city imposes itself in front of Reims which has 86 bowling alleys. Marseille, though historically associated with this hobby, only takes 3rd place with its 77 petanque courts.
In detail, Toulouse has 66 lit pitches for lovers of night games and even 10 covered areas dedicated to this sport-leisure.
We don’t talk much about it, but the Haute-Garonne is a great petanque department.
“In 2019 before the Covid19 crisis, there were more than 12,000 licensees explains Raymond le Manach, president of the departmental committee. Today it is a little less, around 10,000. “
Because petanque affects all layers of society, young and old, both in town and in the countryside. It has become a must for holidays with friends at the campsite or in the villages. There are even petanque competitions for amateurs in companies.
Discipline does not only rhyme with Leisure. It also has its championships. And there the people of Toulouse are not yet at the top. The best professional players come mainly from Var, Hérault and Bouches-du-Rhône.