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Everything You Need to Know About the Versailles Grand Masked Ball

Updated: Jul 17

Illuminated entrance inside the Orangerie at the Versailles Grand Masked Ball, featuring dramatic blue lighting, a crown-shaped stage backdrop, and a glowing sign that reads "Le Grand Bal Masqué" beneath a vaulted, starry ceiling.

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Woman in an 18th-century inspired blue and white floral gown, matching mask, and feathered headpiece posing with a lace fan on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles, with the château visible in the background.
Photography by Rachel Calvo Portraits & Alice | Makeup by Joleen Emory

Introduction: Versailles Grand Masked Ball


Ever wanted to attend a royal ball straight out of a fantasy?


The Versailles Grand Masked Ball—Le Grand Bal Masqué de Versailles—is your chance to do just that. Hosted annually in the stunning Orangerie of the Château de Versailles, this extravagant all-night event invites guests to dress in full 18th-century costume, complete with masks, wigs, and corsets, for a night of immersive baroque fantasy. With dramatic lighting, dazzling performances, and an electrifying atmosphere, this isn’t your average historical reenactment—it’s a wildly unique experience that blends modern nightlife with classical elegance.


Whether you're going solo or with a group, this guide has everything you need to know to make your night unforgettable—from ticket tiers and costume tips to lodging, photography, and insider advice.


Night view of the Orangerie at the Palace of Versailles illuminated in vibrant blue lights, with the building and trees perfectly reflected in the still water of the surrounding pond during the Grand Masked Ball.

Attention


Please do not confuse this event with the Fêtes Galantes!


The Fêtes Galantes is an exclusive evening event held inside the Château de Versailles, offering guests a refined and immersive journey back to the 18th century. Set in the palace’s grand salons, including the iconic Hall of Mirrors, the evening features classical music, period dancing, historical reenactments, and champagne served in crystal flutes. Guests are expected to wear historically accurate costumes, and the atmosphere is one of elegance, sophistication, and royal court tradition—perfect for those seeking a more authentic and regal Versailles experience.


Guests in elaborate costumes and masks gather beneath a vaulted ceiling illuminated with colorful light projections inside the Orangerie at the Versailles Grand Masked Ball, with the “Le Grand Bal Masqué” sign glowing in the background.

My Guide to the Versailles Grand Masked Ball


Over the past three years, I’ve gathered everything I’ve learned from attending the Versailles Grand Masked Ball and poured it into one beautifully organized, easy-to-follow guide. Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning for another magical night, this guide is the perfect starting point to help you feel confident and prepared. From tickets and costumes to insider tips and day-of logistics—it covers it all. Purchase it here for only $9.99!


The topics I cover are as follows:

Official Date


Masked performers in futuristic, illuminated costumes stand on a multi-level stage with dramatic lighting and smoke effects during a live show at the Versailles Grand Masked Ball inside the Orangerie.

Date & Time


The Versailles Grand Masked Ball typically takes place around the summer solstice, usually falling on the third Saturday in June. In 2025, the event was held on June 21st.


8:30 pm

Guests are welcome to enter the palace grounds and gardens, allowing them time to immerse themselves in the magical atmosphere before the main festivities begin.


10:30 pm

A stunning fireworks show lights up the night sky.


11:30 pm

The ball officially starts inside the Orangerie.


8:00 am

The celebration continues until sunrise, officially ending the next morning.


Performers in dark, fantasy-inspired costumes with glowing green lighting take the stage at the Versailles Grand Masked Ball, creating an otherworldly atmosphere inside the Orangerie.

Ticket Sales


Tickets are sold exclusively through the official Château de Versailles Spectacles website when they are released—typically between late November and early December, based on the past few years. However, the exact sale date is never announced far in advance, so it’s important to stay alert and check regularly.


Versailles Spectacles will announce the ticket release on their official Facebook and Instagram pages, so make sure to follow them and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the update. This is the only reliable source for ticket announcements.


I’ll also be sharing the ticket drop announcement in our Facebook group to help you stay in the loop—so don’t stress too much. Just be sure to keep an eye out when fall rolls around!


This is one of the most magical nights of the year, and tickets—especially the VIP and Fantastique tiers—can sell out quickly. So when the announcement comes, be ready to grab yours!


Woman dressed in an ornate blue and white 18th-century style gown with floral patterns, a feathered headpiece, and jeweled mask, posing confidently in front of a golden door at the Palace of Versailles during the Grand Masked Ball.

My Experience


This experience was three years in the making. Back in 2022, I had everything ready—Fantastique tickets in hand, my dream dress rented—but just a week before the ball, my dog became seriously ill and I had to cancel. It was heartbreaking. So finally attending the Versailles Grand Masked Ball this year, and even more so, helping organize and guide people from all over the world to attend as well, felt like a full-circle moment and a deeply personal accomplishment.


It was truly one of the best nights of my life—magical, surreal, and absolutely unforgettable. And without a doubt, it’s an experience I hope to have again!


The performances were absolutely incredible and kept the energy high all night long. The champagne was flowing (thanks to all of you!), and the vibe was electric—I didn’t sit down once from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.! By the time I limped home the next morning, I was exhausted in the best possible way.


Guests in elaborate 18th-century costumes gather near a "Bar et Restauration" tent in the manicured gardens of the Palace of Versailles at sunset during the Grand Masked Ball.

Social Media


Please be sure to like and comment!

It will help my visibility immensely!


For all media & posts from the ball, please follow me on:





Specifically, the following videos:







Guests in elaborate period costumes mingle and dance beneath palm trees and dramatic colored lighting inside the Orangerie at the Versailles Grand Masked Ball.

WhatsApp Chats


Once ticket sales open this fall, I’ll be reopening our WhatsApp Group for confirmed attendees and those looking to buy or sell tickets. In the group, we coordinate meet-and-greets, answer questions, connect solo travelers, and share helpful updates to make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.


To join, please send me a private message with a screenshot of your ticket. This step is essential to help keep the group safe and scam-free.


Important

Never purchase a secondhand ticket from anyone I haven’t personally reviewed and approved!! Many lost hundreds of dollars last year due to scams.


Large group of attendees in elaborate 18th-century costumes and masks posing together on the steps of the Palace of Versailles at sunset during the Grand Masked Ball.
Photography by Rachel Calvo Portraits & Alice | Makeup by Joleen Emory

Conclusion


Attending the Versailles Grand Masked Ball is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience—an unforgettable blend of elegance, extravagance, and pure magic set against one of the most iconic backdrops in the world. From preparing your costume to navigating ticket sales and making the most of your night, there’s a lot to consider—but it’s all worth it once you step into the Orangerie and out under the stars.


Whether you're going solo or with a group, I hope this has helped you feel more prepared and excited for the adventure ahead.


And who knows?

Maybe I’ll see you there next year...


Acrobatic performers in sparkling costumes executing a balancing act on a circular platform, illuminated by vibrant purple and blue stage lights during a live show at the Versailles Grand Masked Ball.

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