“Tu tires ou tu pointes ?”
Juliana froze. She had no idea what her new neighbors just asked. It was her first summer in Paris as an expat partner, and she had joined a group of locals playing pétanque at Parc Monceau, hoping to make friends. She smiled nervously, gripping the silver ball they handed her.
This wasn’t just a game. It was her first step into French culture.
🧱 Breaking the Ice in a New Culture
Moving to France can feel like stepping into a beautiful, intricate painting, stunning, yet hard to interpret. For many expat families, social integration remains the most difficult aspect. According to a 2022 OECD report, newcomers often struggle to build personal relationships due to language barriers and limited social opportunities.
Juliana knew this. Despite French classes and school drop-offs, she still felt invisible. That’s when she stumbled upon a group of pétanque players in the park.
At first, she hesitated. Was this just for seniors? Did she need to understand all the rules? Was she even welcome?
💡 One Simple Invitation
It only took one phrase:
“Viens jouer avec nous !” – Come play with us!
She joined hesitantly. No one cared about her accent. They explained the rules in simple French, mimed the gestures, and gave her tips with warm smiles.
The game was slow-paced, easy to follow, and full of laughter. Her kids played nearby, imitating the adults. Suddenly, she was no longer “the foreign mom watching from the bench”, she was part of the group.
✨ From Outsider to Insider
Week after week, pétanque became her ritual. The benefits? Unexpected and powerful:
1. Language Practice in Real Contexts
Simple phrases, playful corrections, no pressure, just conversation.
2. Intergenerational Connection
Kids, retirees, students… everyone plays together.
Yes, even children love pétanque, especially with colorful boules made for beginners.
3. Zero Equipment Required
All you need is a set of boules (cheap and easy to find) and a small square of gravel or sand.
4. No Athletic Skills Needed
It’s all about strategy, patience, and observation, perfect for every age and fitness level.
5. Cultural Understanding
Pétanque is deeply French. By playing, you feel French, you learn how people interact, joke, compete… and share a drink.
6. Accessible Anytime, Anywhere
Paris has pétanque courts in almost every arrondissement from the banks of the Seine to Buttes-Chaumont.
7. A Reason to Belong
Every game ends with a shared drink or snack. It’s never just about winning. It’s about being together.
👪 Absolutely French’s “Pétanque & Apéro” Evening
At Absolutely French, we regularly host “Pétanque & Apéro” evenings, a fun and informal way to boost integration through play.
Why pétanque? Because this relaxed French tradition naturally encourages communication, builds confidence, and sparks genuine connections, all essential soft skills for expat life.
These friendly evenings combine language, laughter, and local flavors, the perfect recipe to feel part of the community.
Curious about other fun ways to embrace French culture? Discover our top springtime activities for expats in Paris!
🌟 A Final Word of Inspiration
You don’t need a perfect accent, a Parisian wardrobe, or even flawless French to connect with locals.
Sometimes, all it takes is a small silver ball… and the courage to say “yes” to a new experience.
Next time you pass by a pétanque game, don’t just watch.
Ask, smile, or better yet, pick up a boule.
Your new life in France might start right there, in the dust and sunshine of a Parisian park.
Absolutely French – Who We Are – Companies Services
Absolutely French is the first French language school entirely dedicated to expat partners and expatriates.
Our mission:
To support dual careers in expat families by helping partners integrate quickly and confidently into French life.
Our method:
Fun, friendly, and innovative French courses that guarantee results — and help build a local network.
Looking for French classes tailored for expat partners? Want to register your employee’s spouse for a high-quality program?
Let’s connect!
Email: contact@absolutely-french.eu
Phone: +33 (0)1 83 73 98 49
Address: 4, rue Faraday, 75017 Paris