Pétanque is a form of boules where the goal is to throw metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball called a cochonnet (piglet). The game is normally played on hard dirt or gravel, but can also be played on grass or other surfaces.

Pétanque is generally associated with southern France, particularly Provence, whence it originates. The casual form of the game of Pétanque is played by about 17 million people in France (mostly during their summer vacations).