Jeu provençal

Jeu is a French form of boules.
In Italy, the sport bocce volo, which is played with bronze balls, follows a similar set of rules.

History

The current version of the game developed during the 18th century around the area of Lyon.

The Fédération Lyonnaise et Régionale was formed in 1906.
About the same time, in 1907, the sport of pétanque split off to become its own sport.
It led to the formation of Fédération Nationale des Boules in 1933.
That became the Fédération Française de Boules in 1942.

Rules

The rules are similar to the game of pétanque except that:

A jeu provençal court is about twice the size of a pétanque court.
In jeu provençal, the normal practice is to take a short run-up to the throw.

These differences reflect the reason that pétanque was invented to create a sport that was accessible to an arthritic player who could no longer make the run-up to a throw.
In addition:

in jeu provençal, each player has four boules when playing as singles.

Grounds and equipment

Under official rules, the court must measure in length and between in width, with a clear play area of and at each end.
When the jack is thrown, it must land at least away from the player.

Boules

The boules vary in size, weight, and composition, usually to accommodate the player's comfort, but tend to be made of bronze and are usually in diameter and weigh. They must be centrally balanced.