Boulers

Ball games aren't generally suitable for rooftops, but a très Français pastime will be rolling into Hackney this weekend, and luckily its balls are weighty enough to withstand any weather- or player-related highjinks. Just in case you've never actually googled 'old French men in berets with shiny silver balls' we'd better explain that pétanque (also known as boules) involves players throwing hollow metal balls as close as they can to a little wooden jack on a hard or sandy surface known as a 'terrain'. You'll need two teams of between one and three players to play, and terrains will be available at £20 per 30 minutes.

If you aren't feeling competitive you can still join the Francophile fun. Extra added cross-Channel-holiday spirit is available in the form of Orangina cocktails – the fizzy drink brand is sponsoring the event – and Hawksmoor's Richard Sandiford will be grilling burgers on his wood-fired 'drumbecue' with his street food pop-up Flamin' Liberty. And thanks to being on top of an eight-storey car park, the view's as pretty as Brigitte Bardot. Well, nearly. Entry is free but if you'd like to play pétanque advance booking is recommended (and will save you £3.50).