Throughout France you see people playing this game in parks and at the beach. Pétanque is like Bocce but does not require a special court and can really be played anywhere. The game originated in 1907 in La Ciotat, in Provence and is uniquely French as horseshoes is uniquely American. You can buy a print of these players at Champs de Mars near the Eiffel Tower at my commercial site by clicking here.
Pétanque Players at Champs de Mars
It does so look like Bocce. The difference?
Bocce is played on a standard size court and in Pentanque the players draw the court with chalk before they start. Also I believe Bocce has different sized boules but I am no expert. Thanks for the comment!