Internationaux de Cest Punta
Basque pelota, a sport typical of the Basque Country
Ball games are among the oldest sports. They were played by the Greeks, Romans, Aztecs, Incas, and Mayans. In France, the first official ball game, jeu de paume, appeared in the 16th century. It was played outdoors or indoors in "gambles" (small, informal courts). At the time, players used gloves, bats, and later rackets.
Basque pelota is directly descended from this sport. It is played in the southwest of France, particularly in the Basque Country and southern Gascony.
