Pétanque, Mölkky, and Ping-Pong in Paris: Our Favorite Free Spots to Play with Friends All Summer Long
The sun is back, and with it comes the irresistible urge to break out the boules, rackets, and wooden skittles. Paris is full of free spots to play pétanque, mölkky, or ping-pong—whether you’re alone, with friends, or with family. The only question is where to leave your belongings so you can enjoy yourself to the fullest.
The Best Places to Play Pétanque in Paris
You can play pétanque in Paris without spending a single cent. The capital offers several must-visit spots, from the canal banks to the hills of Montmartre. Each spot has its own atmosphere and unique charm.
BarOurcq, located at 68 Quai de la Loire in the 19th arrondissement, is a very popular spot. The bar provides boules and lounge chairs, so there’s no need to bring your own equipment. Plus, the pétanque court offers a direct view of the canal, making every game even more enjoyable. The bar is open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.
For a distinctly Southern atmosphere, the people of Nice are ready to go. Pastis, tapenade, and good cheer are on the menu at this bar in the 11th arrondissement, located at 7 Rue Lacharrière. Its boules court is tucked away in the basement, so you can play even in winter. Open Tuesday through Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.
“It looks just like the South!”
Suzanne Buisson Square, a park with a panoramic view
Tucked away on the heights of Montmartre Hill, Suzanne Buisson Square features a pétanque court with a panoramic view of Paris. The surrounding benches even serve as a natural grandstand for your fans. Many consider it the most romantic setting for a game in the capital.
The address is 7 bis Rue Girardon in the 18th arrondissement. On weekdays, the park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. In other words, there’s plenty of time to play several games before nightfall.
Mölkky Spots in Paris
Mölkky is gaining new fans every summer in the capital. This Finnish skittles game can be played on both clay and grass. As a result, several Parisian parks are perfect for it.
Buttes-Chaumont Park, in the 19th arrondissement, is open every day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Whether you’re a purist looking for a certified field or simply prefer to play on the grass, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. The biggest perk is the chance to cool off in the shade between throws.
The Palais-Royal garden, located at 8 Rue de Montpensier in the 1st arrondissement, is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. It’s an elegant setting, perfect for a game of mölkky or pétanque in the evening. However, it’s best to keep a low profile so as not to disturb the Parisians who come here to read or relax.
- BarOurcq – 68 Quai de la Loire, 19th arrondissement – pétanque court with a view of the canal; boules provided; open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.
- Les Niçois – 7 Rue Lacharrière, 11th arrondissement – basement dining area, Southern-style ambiance, open Tuesday through Sunday
- Square Suzanne Buisson – 7 bis, rue Girardon, 18th arrondissement – panoramic view of Paris, open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Buttes-Chaumont Park – 19th arrondissement – mölkky course on grass or clay, open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Arènes de Lutèce – 49 Rue Monge, 5th arrondissement – a popular spot in the Latin Quarter, open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Arènes de Lutèce, a popular spot in the Latin Quarter
For a getaway in the 5th arrondissement, the Arènes de Lutèce is a great spot for mölkky or bocce. The park at 49 Rue Monge is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. It’s a pretty popular spot, so it’s best to arrive early to find a spot.
The Palais-Royal gardens also offer opportunities for recreation in a historic and well-maintained setting. As a result, Paris makes it easy to combine culture and sports. This is one of the capital’s greatest strengths in the summer.
Table Tennis Spots in Paris
Outdoor table tennis is attracting more and more Parisians as the weather gets warmer. Several locations offer tables that are free to use, in a wide variety of settings. What’s more, these spots are suitable for beginners as well as experienced players.
Robert-Montagne Square, located on Place du Puits de l’Ermite in the 5th arrondissement, is a small park covering 581 m² that is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Visitors can play there while enjoying a view of the Grand Mosque, which gives it a very special charm. It’s a place to relax as much as it is to train.
The Parc Floral, located at 1 Route de la Pyramide in the 12th arrondissement, is a 35-hectare park featuring seven ping-pong tables. Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., it is truly one-of-a-kind in Paris. It is, by far, the site with the most ping-pong tables in the capital.
The Pré-Catelan Garden, located on Chemin de la Croix Catelan in the 16th arrondissement, is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Table tennis tables await visitors taking a stroll through the Bois de Boulogne. The temptation to start a game is likely to be very strong, especially for families.
