Jersey and Marseille stage major international pétanque events

The Liberation Pétanque Club in St Helier, Jersey, will host its International Open from 24 to 26 July 2025. More than 130 players from nine countries, including former world champions Philippe Quintais, Julian Lamour and Norway’s Benny Bel‑Lafkih, will compete in singles, doubles and triples events. Organisers expect a full house, with free admission and a boost to the island’s hotels, restaurants and cafés.

Marseille is set to launch the first International Pétanque Day from 17 to 19 July 2026. The three‑day free festival will feature five temporary synthetic courts on Place du Général de Gaulle, allowing up to 35 000 daily visitors to play, receive coaching and take part in mini‑tournaments. The event, organised by the association Journée Internationale de la Pétanque and partner Les PétanCœurs, aims to become an annual celebration of the sport across France and beyond.