February 2026 promises to be an intense month for pétanque enthusiasts. Between the national championships and the final phase of the Coupe de France, the playing fields are preparing to host decisive matches. For pétanque players and boules enthusiasts alike, this period marks a strategic turning point in the season. That’s because several major FFPJP tournaments are on the schedule. They bring together the French elite, ambitious clubs and boules players in search of trophies. But what are the key dates in the pétanque competition calendar for February 2026? Find out the answer in this article by FAC!
Petanque competition calendar – February 2026
After winter, the February competitions allow players to get back into the swing of things. The Nationals serve as full-scale tests. Teams adjust their automatic responses. Shooters refine their accuracy. Pointers regain confidence on demanding courts.
Dates Competition Format Location
7 & 8 February 2026 Cholet Nationals Senior triples Cholet (Maine-et-Loire – 49)
7 & 8 February 2026 Rouen Nationals Mixed doubles Rouen (Seine-Maritime – 76)
13 to 15 February 2026 Grand 8 de la Coupe de France Team competition Sin-le-Noble – Boulodrome du Douaisis (Nord – 59)
14 & 15 February 2026 Rouen National Senior triples (Top 500) Rouen (Seine-Maritime – 76)
21 & 22 February 2026 National de Vierzon Senior triples (Top 500) Vierzon (Cher – 18)
At this stage of the season, every boules competition counts. The results set the tone. They influence the collective dynamics. They also establish the initial hierarchies between petanque clubs and pétanque players.
The French Petanque Cup enters its final phase
The French Petanque Cup is one of the most feared formats on the circuit. Each match pits two clubs against each other in a highly codified team system. Head-to-head, doubles, triples: it all happens in quick succession. The pressure mounts quickly on the boules court. Indeed, the slightest mistake can hinder the path to victory.
In February 2026, the national pétanque competition reaches its climax. The eight best teams are now known. They are preparing to do battle in an electric atmosphere. Will Arlanc retain its title as French Club Champion? Or which team will succeed the title holders?
Grand 8 of the 2026 French Cup in Sin-le-Noble
The Grand 8 of the 2026 French Petanque Cup takes place from 13 to 15 February at the Boulodrome du Douaisis in Sin-le-Noble. This event encapsulates the essence of team play. The qualifying clubs all have full squads. Powerful shooters, consistent pointers and the elite female players make up formidable teams.
The stakes go beyond the trophy itself. The French Cup symbolises consistency, cohesion and mental mastery. Every lead becomes strategic. Every ball counts. The public can expect close pétanque matches, dramatic turnarounds and high-tension finishes.
The National Triplette de Cholet opens the petanque competition calendar in February 2026
On 7 and 8 February, the National Triplette de Cholet kicks off the season. With nearly 4,000 licensed players expected to attend, this tournament is set to be a major event in the 2026 pétanque calendar. The biggest names will be there.
Philippe Quintais, Philippe Suchaud, Christian Fazzino, Michel Hatchadourian and Andrea Chiapello are among the headliners. The level of play promises to be exceptional. In short, the courts of Maine-et-Loire will host high-level matches, where shooting accuracy and point quality will make all the difference.
The Rouen National Mixed Doubles Championship will also take place on 7 and 8 February 2026
At the same time, Rouen will be the centre of attention on the mixed circuit on 7 and 8 February 2026. Organised by Rouen Sapins Pétanque, this National Championship is sold out with 256 teams ready to battle it out. This format requires great complementarity between team members. Above all, it requires excellent management of weak times.
After Aurélie Maia and Samir Moussamih’s victory last season, the succession is officially open. The battle for victory promises to be fierce once again this year, with the outcome uncertain until the very last point.
On 14 and 15 February, Rouen continues the momentum with a National Seniors Triples tournament ranked in the top 500. Limited to 256 teams, this tournament attracts experienced boules players. A week after Cholet, some players are continuing their run to confirm their form…
The National Triplette in Vierzon closes the February 2026 pétanque competition calendar
Head to Cher to end February on a high note! On 21 and 22 February 2026, Vierzon will be buzzing for its traditional National Triplette. Organised by the Bois d’Yèvre club, this competition has become an unmissable event for players looking for thrills. Once again, the line-up promises to be impressive. This is the event where the big names on the circuit officially kick off their season.
In Cher, the pitches offer technical playing conditions. Managing your boules becomes essential. Consistency over several games makes all the difference.
FAC’s advice: How to approach the pétanque competitions in February 2026?
February is a month of transition. Moving from winter training to the technical pitches of the Nationals requires rapid adaptation. To make a successful return to the FFPJP circuit, here are three key points to keep in mind :
- Choose the right equipment for the terrain
In February, covered courts or heated boules courts can be very dry or, conversely, very compact.
Our advice: For hard, ‘brushed cement’ type surfaces, choose soft or semi-soft boules. They limit the bounce when shooting. If you are playing outdoors on damp surfaces, make sure you have a good quality chamois cloth to keep your boules dry and ensure a good grip.
- Take care with your ‘special winter’ warm-up
The cold numbs your joints. A cold arm lacks flexibility and consistency, especially when shooting.
FAC tip: Spend at least 15 minutes warming up gradually (circular movements of the shoulders and wrists) before your first end. Hand warmers in your pockets are not a luxury when it comes to keeping your fingers sensitive between each ball.
- Work on cohesion before the Nationals
The February schedule focuses on triples and mixed doubles. Communication is your best ally.
Tactical tip: Take advantage of the first competitions to clearly define roles. A middle player who knows when to support their pointer or relieve their shooter often makes the difference in long games, such as in Cholet or Vierzon.