In the South Petanque is called Boules

I always thought it was Petanque, but the players corrected me. "In the south we call it boules." Whatever they call it, they are serious about it. From the "wind up," to the throw, to watching the heavy metal ball hit the dirt, they are serious...

I've been strolling by the park each afternoon to watch the players. Men, women (less often) and kids play for hours. 

This looked like grandparents with their grandson

When in Rome...or the south of France...