Table of Contents
Introduction: The Versailles Grand Masked Ball
Le Grand Bal Masqué du Château de Versailles
Photo taken by Rachel Calvo Portraits based in Paris, France - Pictured is Reana Jones - IG: @reana_travels
Stop!
Before you go any further!
To clarify, if you're looking to attend a traditional ball at Versailles, this is NOT the event for you. The traditional ball you're thinking of is the Fête Galantes, held a few weeks earlier in May.
The Grand Masked Ball, held in June, is more of a wild, all-night-long rave-like experience. Expect artistic performances, DJs playing electronic music, fireworks, flashing lights, ever-flowing champagne, and interpretive costumes. It’s a night of modern extravagance set against the backdrop of the historic Versailles, offering a unique blend of history and contemporary party culture.
I see attendees make this mistake every year, and I want to ensure you have the best experience possible!
Make sure you’re choosing the right ball for your preferences!
When Do Tickets Go on Sale?
Photo taken by Rachel Calvo Portraits based in Paris, France
Unfortunately, ticket sales have been unpredictable in the last two years, so I can't give you an exact month or date when tickets will go on sale this year. Your best bet is to follow my Versailles Masked Ball Facebook Page and look for the announcement or follow the Château de Versailles Spectacles on Facebook or Instagram. They will officially announce ticket sales there.
You'll want to begin to pay attention around the beginning of October.
At the moment, there's no specific site I can refer you to for ticket sales. Once the announcement is made and ticket sales go live, everything will be available on their official website. We'll also link and announce it on our Facebook Page, so stay tuned! When that occurs, you will go to the Spectacles Website to purchase the tickets.
Tickets Sell Out FAST
Photo taken by Rachel Calvo Portraits based in Paris, France
In 2024, tickets sold out within an hour, and we crashed the system!
I kind of felt bad... Whoops!
Note: If you don't manage to snag a ticket to the Versailles Grand Masked Ball, don't worry! Our Page has additional ticket sale opportunities throughout the year. All is not lost!
Ticket Prices
Photo taken by Rachel Calvo Portraits based in Paris, France
The ticket tiers and prices for the Versailles Grand Masked Ball 2024 were as follows:
Simple Ticket
€115 - €125
VIP Ticket
€215 - €225, which included access to the VIP area with an all-you-can-eat buffet and two complimentary glasses of champagne.
Extravagant Ticket
€400, which provides access to a reserved table, unlimited buffet and champagne, dedicated parking, and a free VIP checkroom.
Fantastic Ticket €530, offering the best seats in the Extravagant area, a reserved table, buffet, and champagne at discretion, dedicated parking, and free coat check.
Note: It's a good idea to have a physical printout of your ticket on hand when entering, just in case anything goes wrong with your electronics. You don't want to make it all the way there, fully dressed and ready, only to be turned away at the door!
Hours
Photo taken by Rachel Calvo Portraits based in Paris, France
I can't provide the official hours for the next upcoming ball, but in 2024, the event started at 11:30 PM and continued until sunrise the following morning.
The ball concludes with a light breakfast in the gardens, specifically in the Ballroom Grove. This picturesque setting allows guests to enjoy coffee and croissants as they wind down from the night's festivities.
The real challenge, however, is making it through the night until sunrise.
Official Date
Photo taken by Rachel Calvo Portraits based in Paris, France
I understand how frustrating it can be not being able to buy plane tickets and request time off work in advance. Unfortunately, we won't know the official date until it's announced on the Spectacles sites mentioned above. Typically, the event occurs around Father's Day (American) or the Summer Solstice, but the exact date remains unknown until the venue makes the official announcement.
For further information, please e-mail the venue at:
Costumes!
Photo of Hello it's Jasper (Sam) & Husband (Kenny)
Our official stance on costuming for the Grand Masked Ball is that we encourage classy Baroque-themed attire with a mask.
The official stance of the Versailles Grand Masked Ball Facebook Page:
"While the event maintains a less formal ambiance compared to the Fêtes Galantes (open to creativity and interpretation), it's important to uphold a certain level of thematic cohesion and respect for the occasion and fellow attendees. Let's endeavor to maintain the enchantment of the event by avoiding attire that deviates significantly from the theme. Many participants invest considerable time and resources into crafting their costumes, and it's only fitting that we honor their efforts. It's crucial to note that this stance isn't about elitism but rather about preserving the ambiance of an event set within the prestigious Palace of Versailles.
While acquiring a suitable costume doesn't necessitate exorbitant expenses ($100 or less is achievable), adhering to the thematic guidelines enhances the overall experience for everyone involved. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation."
It's a ball at VERSAILLES!
I find it incomprehensible that one would attend this affair with a laissez-faire or blasé attitude.
Where to Buy/Rent
Photo taken by Rachel Calvo Portraits based in Paris, France - Pictured is Reana Jones - IG: @reana_travels
I have created a list for you! Just click here.
Know of another fabulous business that should be listed or want your businesses added? Feel free to contact me at info@allieinwanderland.com, and I'd be happy to add yours to the list!
Food & Drinks
Photo taken by Rachel Calvo Portraits based in Paris, France - Photo of Elise, daughter of Reana Jones - IG: @reana_travels
Yes, but the offerings are not substantial. You'll definitely want to eat a full dinner before you arrive, as the food provided at the event won't be enough to sustain you throughout the night.
Buffet
The VIP, Extravagant, and Fantastique ticket holders have access to an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring an array of gourmet small bites and delicacies.
Champagne
Complimentary glasses of champagne are provided to VIP ticket holders, and unlimited champagne is available to Extravagant and Fantastic ticket holders. There have been offerings of beer and wine at previous events, but I don't believe it is advertised you'll probably have to ask.
Snacks
Throughout the night, guests can purchase snacks such as simple yet delicious waffles, which are perfect for a quick energy boost.
Light Breakfast
At sunrise, a light breakfast is served in the gardens, specifically in the Ballroom Grove. Coffee and croissants are offered to help guests wind down from the night's festivities.
Can I bring my Child?
Photo taken by Rachel Calvo Portraits based in Paris, France
In the past, the rule was that anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. However, please keep in mind that this is somewhat of a "wild party," with loud music, intoxicated guests, and festivities running all night long. I wouldn't recommend bringing children unless they are in their late teens, and even then, make sure they understand what to expect before purchasing tickets.
Lodging Suggestions
Photo taken by Rachel Calvo Portraits based in Paris, France
I've polled many who attended the ball, and you'll find their suggestions here!
I highly recommend staying within walking distance of Versailles. Since it's an all-night event, you won't want to worry about finding transportation home in the early hours of the morning. Additionally, if you're wearing a big dress, getting in and out of transportation can be difficult and may cause wrinkles. Staying nearby ensures a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
Note: Not all accommodations in Europe offer air conditioning. If you require it, be sure to double-check before booking. This is a common oversight when planning a summer stay in Europe.
Facts & Tips
Photo taken by Rachel Calvo Portraits based in Paris, France
Here, you'll find answers to commonly asked questions and helpful tidbits we've gathered along the way! Before posting a question to the group, please take a moment to browse through this document. There's a high chance your question has already been answered!
Also, always remember to use the search function on our Page before posing a question. It's highly likely that the information you're looking for is already available.
In Conclusion
Photo taken by Rachel Calvo Portraits based in Paris, France
I hope you find this guide helpful in preparing to attend the Versailles Grand Masked Ball in Paris, France.
If you have any additional tips, such as a hairstylist you loved, a costume maker, or any other helpful information, please contact me at info@allieinwanderland.com so I can add it to this guide! Every little bit helps, and I want to ensure you have as much information at your disposal as possible!
Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that all of this information is based on previous balls, and future events may differ in various ways. This guide is meant to help you navigate and prepare, but I can't guarantee that things will be exactly the same as before. Use this as a reference but be ready for potential changes.
Parisian Guides
Photo taken by Rachel Calvo Portraits based in Paris, France
I have also written two Parisian Guides for the city if you would like some more information about how to get around or what to do when visiting!
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Photo taken by Rachel Calvo Portraits based in Paris, France
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