Pétanque is a charming multiplayer Google Doodle released on July 31, 2022, celebrating France’s beloved outdoor ball game. This one’s special because it features full online multiplayer — you can challenge friends directly or get matched with random players from around the world. The game transforms you into adorable green and purple grapes (or olives, depending on who you ask) competing on a playing field that’s actually half a baguette. It’s quirky, it’s French, and it’s surprisingly strategic.
The real sport of pétanque has roots stretching back to Ancient Greece, where people tossed flat stones at targets. Roman soldiers eventually brought a version of the game to France. But the modern form we know today was born in 1907 in La Ciotat, Provence, when a café owner named Ernest Pitiot modified the rules to help his friend Jules Lenoir, whose rheumatism prevented him from running. The solution was simple: shorten the playing field and make players throw from a stationary position with their feet planted. The name “pétanque” actually comes from a phrase meaning “feet planted.” This accessible version spread quickly across France and eventually worldwide — there are now an estimated 10-12 million players in 160 countries, with Thailand currently ranking second in the World Championships.
The gameplay is deceptively simple but tricky to master. You throw metal balls called “boules” trying to land them as close as possible to a small target ball called the “cochonnet” (which literally means “piglet”). Every aspect of your mouse movement or touch swipe matters — the direction affects whether your boule veers left or right, the speed determines distance, and where you release determines the height of your throw. It’s a bit like tossing Poké Balls, except with more physics to consider.
While traditional games play to 13 points, the Doodle version runs three rounds to keep matches quick. You can “shoot” by aiming at your opponent’s boule to knock it away from the target — a popular competitive strategy. The game includes singles and doubles modes, practice rounds against AI, and emoji reactions to communicate with opponents during play.
How To Play Pétanque
Click and drag (or swipe on mobile) to throw your boule toward the cochonnet. The direction, speed, and release point of your movement all affect the throw.
Get your boules closer to the cochonnet than your opponent’s. You score one point for each boule that’s nearer to the target than their closest one.
Use “shooting” tactics — aim directly at your opponent’s boule to knock it away from the cochonnet and steal the advantage.
Play singles or doubles against friends or random online opponents. Matches last three rounds instead of the traditional 13 points.
Practice mode lets you perfect your throw before jumping into competitive play.
