Going to the Royal Versailles Ball 2026?

Here’s our guide on having the best time at the 2026 Royal Versailles Ball. 

What is the Royal Versailles Ball?

Following the success of the Inaugural Royal Versailles Ball in 2022, the Ball is back for 2026. It’s still attended by invitation only and a very rare chance to go reeling in one of the world’s most famous venues. Combined with a few days in and around Paris with friends, the Ball should be a very special night.

 

Where should I stay before the Royal Versailles Ball?

We recommend staying in Versailles at least for the night of the ball. Most of the hotels are a short walk from the Palace. Versailles is a compact wealthy suburb of Paris with its own market square close to the entrance of the Palace. You are more likely to visit Paris again than Versailles so why not take the time to enjoy the area, especially if you’re going to visit the Palace during the day. Which brings us to our next point.

If you want to stay in Versailles there are many options. We stayed in the Hotel des Lys last time. It exceeded expectations and was excellently located. It has private car parking too for guests combining the ball with some wine shopping! 

If you’re lucky enough to be a member of a club with reciprocal arrangements in Paris, be sure to check those options out. You might get the chance to stay in unbelievably beautiful buildings and meet some interesting people. 

 

Should I take the Eurostar or fly to Versailles?

The answer to this question depends on where you’re starting your journey. However, if you have the choice we’d recommend the Eurostar. It’s supremely easy and you end right at Gare du Nord station, which is exactly where you want to be to catch a quick train out to Versailles.

Whichever way you get to Paris, remember that the EU introduced a new Entry/Exit System (EES) in October 2025. This requires biometric enrolment systems for non-EU visitors which can cause delays. Even if you’re already enrolled, allow an extra 30 minutes for slower moving queues.  

Whichever option you choose, enjoy trying to spot fellow Ball-goers in the queue. 

 

Getting to Versailles

Versailles by taxi

If you do decide to stay in the centre of Paris, you can get an Uber to Versailles in about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on where you’re staying and traffic.

Consider booking your return Uber in advance. People all tend to leave at the same time in reeling balls as they have a set number of dances that everyone does – so a lot of people will be chasing taxis all at once.

Versailles by train

Getting to Versailles by train is really easy, so don’t let the idea of unfamiliar trains put you off.

From Gare du Nord, there are several options that use the RER (Paris’ high speed suburban train system). You’ll most likely want Versailles Château Rive Gauche station. You’ll be there in 45 minutes. The trains have air conditioning and phone signal. 

 

Visiting Paris for the day

If you do add a day to see Paris before the Ball, there are countless things to do and even more things written about them. We’ll add just a very few suggestions of our own.

  1. Visit the Musée d'Orsay to fill your soul with Impressionist art.
  2. Walk down the Seine to the newly repaired Notre-Dame cathedral. 
  3. Having fed your soul, feed your body with some world famous ice cream from Berthillon.
  4. Head back to the centre and treat yourself to a handmade fan for the ball from Duvelleroy. Expensive? Yes, but a great keepsake and practical for a night of energetic dancing. 

 

Should I visit Versailles before the ball?

Versailles is one of the great architectural and artistic triumphs of the world and deserves a visit. If you’ve never been before, we strongly recommend spending a full day at the Palace of Versailles. Even then, there is so much to see that you cannot even see it all in just one day. If your plan is just to visit when you attend the Ball you’ll only see a fraction of it. 

 

Where should I eat in Versailles?

If you want to have a great meal the night before the ball with your party, book Le Bœuf a la Mode in Versailles. We went several years ago for the last Royal Versailles Ball weekend. The Île Flottante was a towering triumph of French food.

If you’re craving a classic French lunch the morning after the ball to recover, the Crêperie des 2 Portes delivered in spades on galettes (savoury) and crêpes (sweet). Wash them down with some cidre for the full experience. 

 

Arriving at the Royal Versailles Ball

Try to get to the Palace a little early and take some photos with your party. By arriving in White Tie, a ballgown or a kilt and doublet, you’re part of a (occasionally interrupted) centuries-old tradition of ball goers. Revel in the moment. Please be considerate of fellow guests and try not to photo bomb them too much! Enjoy walking around the grounds and take it all in. 

 

Travelling to the Ball?

Don't arrive the night before the ball having forgotten something important! Check out our packing lists for:

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