The 7th annual International Petanque tournament took place Saturday in Lafayette, LA. If you’re wondering, what does PETANQUE mean:  Petanque is better know as french lawn bowling where the goal is to throw hollow metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball called a cochonnet (literally “piglet”) or jack, while standing inside a starting circle with both feet on the ground.

People from all around the world gathered to the formal courts on the north end of Girard Park, near the rear of the UL Alumni Center and the one way lane.

Petanque is played by singles, couples, and families with children and all skill levels are welcomed. People from the United States, France, Belgium, Canada, Ivory Coast, England, Mali, and South Africa were in attendance.

Former National French Petanque champion, Bernard Champey, was also in attendance at Saturday’s event.

The games are conducted bilingually in English and French.