This has been a bucket list item for me, visiting a real masquerade ball at the Palace of Versailles. As it turned out the event lined up perfectly with the rest of this trip.
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| Glad it’s going to be cool this evening |
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| Official letter with tickets. You need physical tickets – no eTickets or receipts accepted |
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| Heck yes I’m going to attend the fireworks and stroll the gardens |
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| How nice of them, pointing out my airBnB starting location |
If you’re going to do the ball get a hotel near the venue for a night or two. Otherwise you’ll be riding the RER for an hour each way (and it doesn’t run all night).
9pm – time to head to the ball.
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| It’s still bright out, attendees starting to arrive |
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| People here (mostly French, some UK, a few Americans) go all out |
Simply walk through the main gate, hang to the left, show your event ticket and you’re given admission to the gardens.
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| Everyone and I mean everyone wears comfy shoes. You’ll be on your feet for at least 9 hours |
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| The location of breakfast at 6am |
Before the party begins, fireworks (10:45p).
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| Try to get a spot on top at around 10:30p |
11pm. With fireworks over everyone begins to move towards Le Orangerie (literally The Oranges). Built in 1684 this was the home of orange cultivation in France. Tonight it is our dance hall and lounge under the stars.
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| The view from the late 1600’s of Le Orangerie |
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| A little different look as we head to the entrance |
If you’re coming from the West Coast, here’s a tip – arrive into Paris the day before the event. Sleep until you normally would. I didn’t get up until 2pm the afternoon of the event. Do not get into Paris time. Your body will remain 9 hours behind everyone and you’ll easily make it until dawn.
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| Swap tickets for wristbands. The line on the right is for those spending 390euros for tix |
From 11p-12:30am you’re taking in the environment. Many people don’t arrive until after 12:30a. The event officially kicks in at 12:30.
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| The view ascending down into Le Orangerie |
Ladies, as pretty as having a dress with a train on it, don’t do it. I can’t recall how many people were tripped from behind as they were trying to descend the steps or walk around the venue just because someone accidentally stepped on that extra fabric. Keep the dress an inch off the ground and you’re set.
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| The production value for the night was spectacular |
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| 11:30pm, plenty of space to move around. That didn’t last long |
What you can’t quite tell is the above hall is probably the length of a football field, cut in half at the center where the main stage is. The cheap ticket holders are JAMMED into the front part of the hall. The back half is split down the center between VIP and EXTRVAGANT holders and it’s never full, never packed, always a place it sit. I get skidish with lots of people but never found myself feeling overwhelmed with the capacity there. Can’t say that for the one time I tried to walk through the general admission area.
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| The company did an outstanding job filling the vast hall with people and acts |
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| Did I mention the costumes were second to none |
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| All things considered pricing of drinks was reasonable for alcohol |
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| VIP gives you two glasses of champagne (they’re small flutes) |
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| 2e for coat check (right), VIP and one entrance for VIP toilets (left) |
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| Lots of people went right for the bonfire chairs and didn’t leave all night |
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| 390e gets you seats in the elevated lounge plus free water, soda, food. Most here were older folks who never left the area |
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| 180e (that’s what I got) gets you real toilets instead of portable, light foods and day beds |
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| The beds were full by 2am |
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| Food started as mini sliders and progressed to cheese and meat trays then onto desserts (sugar!) as the night progressed |
From the VIP area there is a private door which allows you to escape from the hall and into the gardens.
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| Looking back towards the staircase we descended to get to the venue |
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| Those that paid 90e had to find places to sit and take a break, grass worked |
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| The lighting was so stunning |
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| For my gay friends, this event will welcome you |
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| 3am – our food has officially switched to straight desserts |
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| UK/EU attendees have crashed out |
As luck would have it, 5am my phone died. A light breakfast is served at 6am for anyone who can survive long enough. After 6:30a you get to exist through the main gates instead of walking around (which you have to do if you leave before then).
You’re probably wondering where photos of myself are. I work in IT, I know what happens if you upload photos of yourself online. No one wanted to go with me so you’re all out of luck. Perhaps next year you’ll go (and yes I’d love to go back).
I’m still high from the night haven’t slept yet and it’s 8pm Sunday. I’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep this evening.
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Blurb about the event, in case you’re interested in going yourself
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Presentation
The royal festivals organised by the court in its time still resonate today everywhere in Versailles. Since its first edition in 2011, the Château de Versailles Grand Masked Ball has celebrated fanciful and refined nights which have now become iconic. Welcome to the Château de Versailles Orangerie and its garden for an unforgettable and offbeat festival night! Dancers, performers, and artists will deploy their talent through the evening in a staging designed for the third year running by the artistic director and choreographer Hakim Ghorab. DJ Michel Canitrot will keep you dancing all night under the eaves of the Orangerie and until dawn for an incredible after in the Ballroom Grove. Dress up in your finest baroque costume, put on your mask and take part in the Château de Versailles Grand Masked Ball for an unforgettable evening!
Ticket Information
Dress code: Come dressed in a quality baroque costume to be worn on arrival (all guests have to find their own costume). Your face must be masked on arrival and during the entire ball. No admission for those not wearing a costume.
VIP TICKET (180e): Access to the VIP area with special buffet and two glasses of champagne.
EXTRAVAGANT TICKET (360e): Access to Extravagant area with reserved buffet and table, unlimited champagne, special carpark and priority cloakroom.
FANTASTIC TICKET (390e): Access to the best seats of Extravagant area, in front of the stage, with reserved table, buffet, unlimited champagne, a gift, special carpark and priority cloakroom.
The Grand Masked Ball ticket allows you to attend the Night Fountains Show, only if you are costumed and masked.