{"id":46804,"date":"2023-10-31T12:07:39","date_gmt":"2023-10-31T11:07:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/?p=46804"},"modified":"2025-04-28T14:42:08","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T12:42:08","slug":"petanque-court","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/petanque-court\/","title":{"rendered":"The complete guide to building a p\u00e9tanque court at your chalet"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

P\u00e9tanque, a quintessential French pastime, has found its way into the hearts of many visitors to the French Alps. The clinking of steel balls and laughter echoing across chalet gardens have become synonymous with leisurely Alpine holidays. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In response to the question of whether you should build a p\u00e9tanque court at your rental chalet, the OVO Network\u2019s answer is unequivocal: YES \u2013 and in this article we explain why. We provide all the insights to help you decide whether adding a p\u00e9tanque court to your property is a sound investment.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n Discover OVO Network\u2019s Rental solution<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The allure of a p\u00e9tanque court at a luxury chalet<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Entertainment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A p\u00e9tanque court offers endless entertainment for guests of all ages. It\u2019s a perfect social activity that encourages interaction among your guests, creating lasting memories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"P\u00e9tanque<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Discovering French culture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Embracing p\u00e9tanque at your chalet introduces your guests to an authentic slice of French culture and is an opportunity to immerse them in a beloved local tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Differentiation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With so many chalets available, standing out is crucial. A p\u00e9tanque court can set your property apart, making it more appealing to potential guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Petanque\/bowling<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

4. Property value<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Adding a p\u00e9tanque court can increase the value of your chalet, making it a more attractive asset if you decide to sell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. The return on investment of a p\u00e9tanque court<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Contrary to popular belief, the mountains offer just as much in summer as they do in winter and thousands of tourists flock to the Alps for their summer holidays. So, not only does adding a p\u00e9tanque court to your chalet cater to summer guests, but can also attract more bookings in spring and autumn, when the weather is still mild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s more, guests are often willing to pay more for a chalet that offers unique leisure activities like this. So it\u2019s a win-win scenario!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n Estimate your income<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Petanque<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

6. Guest satisfaction and glowing reviews <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Guest feedback consistently highlights the value of having a p\u00e9tanque court. Positive reviews attest to the enhanced guest experience, with many expressing their delight at discovering this enjoyable French pastime during their stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a look at some review left by OVO Network guests\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Everything has been well thought out and tastefully decorated. We particularly enjoyed playing p\u00e9tanque in the garden with breathtaking views of the snow-covered peaks. The terrace is very pleasant and the petanque court is a great plus!<\/p>\nCaroline B<\/strong>, stayed in Manigod<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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What a fantastic chalet! We will forever remember our p\u00e9tanque competitions, as well as the moments spent in the hot tub.<\/p>\nIsabelle D<\/strong>, stayed in Manigod<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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A fantastic week spent with friends at Lodge Les Confins in La Clusaz. The area is beautiful and tranquil and the views are stunning, the kids loved the pool and played boules every evening on the p\u00e9tanque pitch.<\/p>\nAmanda C<\/strong>, stayed in La Clusaz<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"Petanque<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Factors to consider before building a p\u00e9tanque court<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Location and space <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While flat gardens are not a common feature of Alpine chalets, many properties feature narrow strips of flat land that have the potential to be transformed into a p\u00e9tanque court. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps you have a similar spot in your garden, which is in the shade for most of the day, an awkward shape, overlooked by neighbours, at the edge of the parking or tucked around the side of the property? If so, a private p\u00e9tanque court could transform these otherwise unused outdoor spaces and keep guests of all ages entertained in most weathers<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another thing you will need to consider when building the court is whether there is sufficient drainage to deal with wet weather and if there\u2019s a way of providing some shade from the sun for the warmer months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Petanque<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. Laws and regulations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Planning permission is not often required for building a p\u00e9tanque court, however, it\u2019s always worth checking at your local mairie (town hall) to ensure you\u2019re abiding by all rules in your specific region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your chalet is located close to other properties, it\u2019s a good idea to give neighbours a heads-up about the work and avoid constructing the court too close to their windows so there\u2019s minimal noise pollution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Budget and costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before diving into construction, you\u2019ll need to make sure you have a sufficient budget for your project. Costs will vary depending on a number of factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earthwork<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the amount of flat land you have available to you, there will be differing levels of earthwork required. Obviously, the more work needed, the more expensive the project will become.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Size<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The desired size of your p\u00e9tanque court will impact your budget, too. It\u2019s really up to you how big you want the court to be, but as a point of reference, you can refer to formal guidelines. For example, official competition courts are 15x4m with lower-level courts measuring 12x3m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chalet<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Materials and finishes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The typical gravel used for p\u00e9tanque courts is dolomite gravel (limestone) which is one of the cheapest on the market. However, finishing touches such as the framing beams or seating around the court will affect the cost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a rough idea of what you\u2019ll need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n