le grand bal masque

We took a step back in time last weekend and attended The Grand Masked Ball at the Palace of Versailles on Saturday evening... well into Sunday morning. The doors to the ball opened at 11:30pm and the lights turned on at 6:00am. We planned to meet friends at the Eiffel Tower and take some pictures before hopping the 40 minute train to Versailles, walk the grounds to see the fountain shows and find a prime spot for the firework show but unfortunately, the rain put a few hiccups in our plans. Instead we met at a friend's apartment and sipped champagne to start the night.

We arrived at the palace just in time to brave the rain for a few photos, watch the fireworks under an umbrella and eventually be paraded toward the Orangerie garden, where the party was!

As you entered the ball, it was like you walked into a merged world of the 1700s and a circus act. Classical music filled the room while bright, neon lights lit the ceiling and modern dancers greeted you.

The entertainment was great. Our group was pretty large so we designated a "home base" but really never left. It was right in front of one of the main stages so we got great shows. Some of it was music, dancing, laser light shows... a lot of everything.

I honestly wasn't sure we'd make it the whole night. But soon enough it was 10 'til 6:00 so we ventured outside and... the sun was up. We walked to the train with tired - and still wet from the rain - feet to arrive at our apartment after 7:00. The whole evening was truly a once in a lifetime sort of experience. If we were here next year, I doubt we'd attend again. Both of us were a bit skeptical to commit this year because we bought tickets with people we hardly knew in February. Now those people have become some of our best friends here and I'd say neither of us regret going!