There is more to see on the Champs de Mars than the Eiffel Tower, although it’s hard to compete with the main attraction.

The gardens are large and heading south, away from the river, it’s easy to find locals enjoying this large stretch of green, children swarming around the playgrounds, and groups of foreigners playing pétanque (the French are playing in the Jardin de Luxembourg).

If you have never played pétanque the goal is to throw metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball called a cochonnet (literally “piglet”).  Which like nearly everything in France is a reference to food.

On your next visit ask to join the game but be advised some Spanish, French or Italian may be needed or a girl with a very large American smile.

Enjoy!

Leslie