Petanque is a popular outdoor game that originated in France. It is played on a gravel or dirt surface, where players take turns throwing metal balls, called boules, towards a smaller target ball known as the cochonnet. The objective is to place your boules as close to the cochonnet as possible, while also trying to knock your opponents' boules away. The game can be played individually or in teams, typically consisting of two or three players. Matches can take place in various settings, from parks to dedicated courts. Petanque is enjoyed by people of all ages and is often played casually, but it also has competitive tournaments worldwide.