The Grand Masked Ball

The Grand Masked Ball at the Château de Versailles is an annual event that offers a unique and whimsical evening, transporting guests to the world of royal opulence and artistic performances. This celebration, under the artistic direction of choreographer Aziz Baki, invites attendees to immerse themselves in the wealth and traditions of world royalty, dressed in their finest baroque costumes and masks.

The event takes place in the Orangery and the Grove of the Ballroom, which were designed by André Le Notre over 50 years. These spaces, referred to as "rooms in an outdoor house," reflect the balance and symmetry of the Château, embodying a vision of Heaven on Earth. The Groves, open on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from April to October, cover around 300 hectares and feature various architectural, sculptural, and artistic elements, such as the Ballroom, the Mirror Bassin, the Colonnade Grove, the Enceladus Grove, the Grove of Apollo’s Bath, the Three Fountains grove, the Dragon Fountain and Basin of Neptune, and the Triumphal Fontain.

In addition to the Groves, the Petit Trianon, built by Louis XV for his mistresses and later given to Marie Antoinette, offers a place of refuge with its simplicity and delicate decoration. The building itself takes around 15 minutes to visit, while the English garden, with its network of little pathways and features like the Temple of Love, can be explored for an additional 20 minutes.

The Queen’s Hamlet, built for Marie Antoinette, is a perfect copy of a rural village where the Queen could pretend to be a member of the peasant class. The hamlet, including the Queen’s Residence and the Queen’s Farm, is very photogenic and home to various farmyard creatures.

The Grand Masked Ball itself is a timeless experience, where guests are invited to discover the refined and artistic atmosphere of the evening entertainments organized by King Louis XIV. Dressed in costumes as fine as those worn in Versailles during its finest periods, attendees can enjoy the staging designed by Michel Canitrot and dance until dawn under the eaves of the Orangerie.

The event is not merely a fancy-dress ball but a meticulously planned experience, with tissues woven expressly, spurs, weapons, and jewelry modeled and manufactured on purpose. This commitment to authenticity and detail ensures that the Grand Masked Ball at the Château de Versailles remains a unique and unforgettable experience for all who attend.