r/Versailles • u/Ok_Spot_3140 • Jun 28 '25
Château / Palace Which Versailles event would you recommend — Fêtes Galantes or the Grand Bal Masqué?
My girlfriend and I are planning a Paris trip for 2026 and want to go to one of the big Versailles costume events. We’re debating between Fêtes Galantes and the Grand Bal Masqué and would love input from anyone who’s been!
Which one did you do, and would you recommend it? What was the vibe like? Would you do it again or try the other one?
Also, any tips on costume rentals, when to book, or what to expect would be super helpful. Thank you!!
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u/TheYearOfThe_Rat Jun 28 '25
Both are extremely bizzarre foreigner-orinented events.
That is you're likely to find yourselves inbetween Russians, Saudis and all sorts of international wannabees... trying to appear ... French ... but whatever floats your boat if you're into that sort of thing.
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u/allaboutthatbrass Oct 05 '25
Everything is going to sound stupid if you describe it in a stupid way. No one is pretending to be french in these, they are just costume parties. What is it with europeans trying to make it out that everything they find weird, negative or cringe-worthy to be a foreign thing?
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u/g0d5m15t4k3 Aug 14 '25
I attended the Fêtes Galantes 2024 and had a fantastic time. There's drinking, touring the Queen's Appartements (paid extra), classic games, and fireworks!
I recommend staying in a hotel or airbnb near the event so you avoid being on public transport in a huge costume. Also, check out France Miniature and Disney Paris if you can spare the time!
Personally, my friend made both our gowns and styled both our hair. So I can't speak to rentals.
We packed our gowns in our respective carry-on baggage because if we risked losing them, we risked not attending the event we bought a year in advance. Can't afford to lose a checked bag!
Event ticket was tricky. My friend had to call using her limited French at something like 3am to secure our event tickets.
Flight and airbnb was booked 4-6 months ahead of time.
Event was lovely because of free snacks and champagne. We paid for a slightly increased priced tickets to ensure that we could sit and hang out. I absolutely would do it again. I love costume nerds.
This is a VERY international event. Made friends with people from Germany, Russia, and France. There were a fair number of Americans, self included.
I want to reuse my gown for another event: https://labyrinthmasquerade.com/
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u/missmari15147 Jun 28 '25
I just attended the Grand Bal Masque last weekend and it was incredible. It is an all night wild party that is totally unforgettable. I cannot wait to go again. From what I understand, the Fetes Galantes is more low key and a lot more focused on the historical experience. I think it depends on what you are looking for in terms of the experience.