I think (what I remember of) Pétanque is the simplest and most fun version: search for some kind of flat ground if you do not have a “real” boule-ground available. Make two teams and divide the big boule-balls between them.

One team starts throwing the small one and subsequently their first large one. Then, always the team not in the lead (i. e. the team not currently having one of their balls nearest to the small one) has their turn. Ideally, they more or less take turns that way.

If one team has no boule left, the other team can throw theirs until both are done.

Getting opposing balls out of range by hitting them with your own is fine and part of the strategy as well as hitting the small one and thus moving the “centre”.

Then, counting points is pretty straightforward: search for the big one most adjacent to the small one - this team scores this round. Count all of their balls nearer than any of the opposing teams ones. That’s the score.

Pick up everything and start the next round!

Very fun as you can easily talk, eat and drink while playing! Reminds me that I should play again, sometimes.

Have fun! If you do not already have them: get at least to sets of balls, ideally with different colours/ornaments to easily keep them apart while paying/counting.