The Ball's Game returns in 2026. The annual pétanque tournament at Brasserie Chez Clément opens registration for the edition held in Genval at the end of summer. Free triplettes format, family atmosphere, continuous barbecue on the terrace. Five minutes from La Hulpe, fifteen from Wavre, twenty from Louvain-la-Neuve.
What the Ball's Game is
The Ball's Game is the annual pétanque tournament at Brasserie Chez Clément in Genval. Free triplettes format, group stage in the morning, knockout bracket in the afternoon, prize ceremony in the early evening around a drink. The terrace and garden of the brasserie serve as the playing field, with several courts drawn so all teams can play in parallel. The 2025 edition brought together about sixty participants. The photo gallery of that edition remains available at /en/balls-game-25.
Registration is done online in advance at brasseriechezclement.be/en/petanque-inscription. A team of three players is required, along with a team name and a contact person. The tournament is open to amateurs and club players alike. No minimum level required.
Atmosphere and format
This is not a federation tournament. It is a village-style event, in the Belgian tradition where pétanque is played around a drink and ends with dinner. Balanced pools in the morning, knockouts in the afternoon, with short matches so everyone plays several games. The brasserie serves a simplified lunch menu during the day (frites, mussels in season, snacks) and a full evening service for players who stay on.
Families welcome. Children have space next to the courts, the brasserie has a children's menu and continuous terrace access. Dogs on a lead accepted. Free parking directly opposite the brasserie.
How to register
Registration is on brasseriechezclement.be/en/petanque-inscription. The form asks for the team name, the three players, a contact person with phone number, and a time preference if you cannot stay the full day. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours with the detailed schedule, recommended arrival time, and the registration payment.
Limited number of teams. Early registration is recommended, as registrations usually close fifteen days before the tournament date.
Where to find the brasserie
Brasserie Chez Clément, Rue de la Bruyère 230, 1332 Genval, Belgium. Five minutes by car from La Hulpe, next to the Lac de Genval. Free parking directly opposite the restaurant. TEC bus line 366 to Genval stop. Train to Genval station (10 minutes on foot). Château du Lac and Dolce La Hulpe are within ten minutes, for those who want to stay overnight.
To extend the day
The brasserie stays open for a classic dinner after the tournament. The Belgian regional menu (chicken waterzooi, Flemish carbonnades, homemade grey shrimp croquettes) welcomes players who want to close the day at the table. The bar stays open until 1:00, with DJ on Thursday evenings for those who want to stay longer. Five minutes away, the Lac de Genval offers a quiet after-dinner walk.
Frequently asked questions
When does the 2026 pétanque tournament take place?
The 2026 edition is held at the end of summer at Brasserie Chez Clément, Rue de la Bruyère 230, 1332 Genval. The exact date is communicated to registered teams. Registration open online at brasseriechezclement.be/en/petanque-inscription.
Is a minimum level required to register?
No. The tournament is open to amateurs and to club players. The atmosphere is that of a village tournament, not a federation event. Families and children welcome.
How many players per team?
Free triplettes, three players per team. The registration form asks for the team name and the three players.