Knockin’ Balls

We've finally found it! A sport for the lazy that actually reeks of high-class refinement. Invented by a rheumatic Frenchie who didn't want to run after a ball, pétanque is deliciously played while standing still. In the same vein as lawn bowling, bocce, or boules, the point is to come...

By Amanda McCorquodale

February 18, 2010

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "19274298",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17482312",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18711090",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17482310",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18711090",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17482313",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

We've finally found it! A sport for the lazy that actually reeks of high-class refinement. Invented by a rheumatic Frenchie who didn't want to run after a ball, pétanque is deliciously played while standing still. In the same vein as lawn bowling, bocce, or boules, the point is to come close, but not hit, another's balls. Read into that one, Freud.

It's a perfect pastime to play at Miami's Versailles-like palace, the Biltmore Hotel, where you can toss balls on rolling lawns of well-manicured grass while holding a half-priced Veuve Clicquot or Belvedere cocktail. (Cocktails are actually required in this sport in order to counterbalance the weight of the metal balls.) The Biltmore holds pétanque tournaments every Tuesday. If you win, you'll score a free Sunday brunch for two, and if you win the most matches in a month, you'll bag a two-night stay in a luxe room. There's no fee to play; meet at the side lawn next to the Cascade Grill.
Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m., 2010

Become A Member

BEFORE YOU GO...
Can you help us continue to share our stories? Since the beginning, Miami New Times has been defined as the free, independent voice of Miami — and we'd like to keep it that way. Our members allow us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls.