Petanque Across the Channel | Channelboules.blog

Introduction

With nearly 30 years of experience playing pétanque, this sport has become a cherished pastime for me. It is how I choose to spend my free time when I’m not working. I take great pride in being a member of both Cobbetts Petanque Club, which is located at Burridge Sports and Social Club, SO31 1BS in England, and Cherbourg Petanque Club which is located in France.

Local Boule Club Information

If you’re interested in joining a boule club near Porthsmouth and Southampton, Cobbetts Petanque Club is a great option. Located at Burridge Sports and Social Club in England (SO31 1BS), Cobbetts warmly welcomes people of all ages and skill levels.

For more precise location details, you can visit their website: Cobbetts Petanque Club.

Cobbetts Petanque Club has a rich history and has achieved numerous regional titles over the years. They even reached the semi-finals of the Euro Cup twice. The club also shares a friendly rivalry with a nearby club called River Hamble, located just 20 minutes away.

In fact, River Hamble triumphed in the English section of the Euro Cup last year, proudly representing England in the tournament and advancing to the round of 16 on the European stage. Well done to those involved! You can read more about it here

If you’d like more information about petanque in the Southern Counties region, you can also visit the website of the Southern Counties Petanque Association: Southern Counties Petanque Association.

English & French Licence Information

It is my dream to qualify for the Championship of France. To achieve this, I need a French license. The qualification process involves playing with members of the same French club and winning either a department championship or a regional championship.

This achievement then grants eligibility for the French Championship. It is a highly prestigious competition featuring some of the world’s best players. Notable qualifiers this year include Wiebel from Belgium, and Rizzi from Italy.

As I understand it, they transfer their licenses just in time to register with national organizations, ensuring their availability for European and World Championship events.

It’s important to mention that most competitions held in France, don’t require a French license to participate. In fact, organizers readily accept English licenses. I’ve never encountered any issues before when entering larger national-level competitions with my English license. However, it is always good to check in advance.

Getting the Boat Across – Travel Advice & Tips

When it comes to traveling to France for petanque competitions, taking a ferry is a popular choice. Here are some travel advice and tips for getting the boat across:

1. Choose the right ferry route: The Portsmouth to Caen ferry operated by Brittany Ferries is a convenient option for many, as it offers overnight crossings. This is especially beneficial if you have competitions starting in France on Saturdays. The ferry times are displayed on their website, and the 11pm departure from Portsmouth arriving in Ouistream, France at 6:45am the next morning is a popular choice.
2. Consider joining Voyage Club: If you frequently travel by ferry, joining the Brittany Ferries Voyage Club can be advantageous. As a member, you can enjoy significant discounts on fares, making the membership fee worthwhile. Whether you’re traveling as a foot passenger or with a car, the savings can be substantial.
3. Timing your travel: It’s important to be mindful of peak travel periods, such as school holiday breaks, as they can result in busy ferry crossings. If you plan to book a cabin, it’s advisable to make your reservation as early as possible to secure your preferred accommodations.
4. Passport control and waiting times: Upon arrival in Caen, the time it takes to go through passport control can vary. As a foot passenger, the process generally takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour, while it can take from 40 minutes to 2 hours if you’re traveling with a car. The waiting times can depend on the day and how busy the crossing is, so it’s wise to be prepared for potential delays.
5. Additional ferry services: Aside from the Portsmouth to Caen route, there are other ferry services available. The Poole to Cherbourg service operates during the daytime from April to November, providing an alternative option for travel. The Portsmouth to Cherbourg crossing also has a limited service, mainly on Thursdays overnight with a return trip the following day. It’s worth checking the schedules and availability based on your travel dates.

By considering these travel advice and tips, you can make your journey to France for petanque competitions smooth and enjoyable.

Ferry Time Tables

Travelling to Cherbourg from Caen

After passing through passport control, I eagerly embark on route to Cherbourg, which basically follows a single road, guiding me through the landscapes of Normandy.

The closest bouleadrome to where I stay is called “Boulodrome de Tourlaville” or “Boulodrome Georges Fatôme”.

It serves as the home to AST Tourlaville Petanque Club and is also shared with several local clubs, who utilize it for their own competitions.

I’ll definately go more into detail on this on a future post as well as sharing some of the amazing people I have meet, whilst playing there!

Boulodrome de Tourlaville Information

This fantastic playing area boasts over 100 outdoor terrains, featuring a dry soil surface with a layer of loose sand and small chippings on top. However, the ground tends to soften when it rains.

The location is frequently used for both department and regional level competitions. I believe the Regional Triple Leagues were held here, this year (2023).

Luckily, the indoor facilities are excellent. Fully sheltered from the elements, they offer a more challenging and technical terrain to play on. The surface is rock hard, with a thin layer of dust measuring around 4-6mm, topped with small stones measuring 5-6mm. This combination makes it quite difficult to roll the boule. The optimal shot would be considered a high lob, with a focus on precise landing spots.

There are shared toilet facilities, with private cubicals. In additional there is a kitcken the hosting clubs can use to prepare food and service hot/cold/alcoholic beverages at the bar.

French Food & Drink at Petanque Competitions

At the heart of any petanque competition, you’ll discover a well-stocked bar, lovingly tendered by volunteers from the club or local department committee. Players have the pleasure of indulging in a array of beverages, from refreshing soft drinks to local wines and beers.

Whilst there are no blockers on local or big national comps when it comes to alcohol. The umpires will be quick to card you if you cause any trouble. In additional for the Offical Department/Regional/French Championship competitions, you are breathalized randomly and at the later stages of the competition. If you’ve had more than 1 x 33cl bottle of beer, you could be disqualified and also penilized. They take this extremely seriously.

On warm, sunny days, it is not uncommon to find a sizzling barbecue just outside, offering a nice selection of foods, including sandwiches with a variety of fillings and cheeses, all reasonably priced.

Have you been to any petanque competitions abroad?
What was the experience like?
Any tips or advice for first-timers?
We’d love to hear your stories!