Le Palet Vendeen

This game, similar to that of Petanque or Boules is played mainly in Brittany and the Vendée.

The equipment is 12 numbered (1-12) iron metal/brass castings about 54 mm in diameter, and 6 mm thickness, and a “cochonnet with a diameter of 46 mm has and a thickness of 6 mm.

The goal is identical to that of Petanque whereby the disks are to be placed as closely to the cochonnet disk as possible.

Originally the metal discs are launched directly on the ground into a square of approximately 60 cm by 60 cm (4 nails and a string). Later, about 1920, a board of wood (poplar) was used.

Today, the lead board is used. A square lead plate 45 cm by 45 cm with a minimum weight of 20 kg. The distance between the edge of the plate and the player must be of 3,80 m for the cast iron metal disc and of 2,80m for the brass metal discs.

This sport is usually played with the family on Sunday after midday, or at the village festivals. In winter it’s easily played indoors whereas in the summer, in the open air. It’s usually played in teams of 2 or 3 (for example “the older players” against “the young people”).