The Grand Bal Viennois has delivered on its promise of enchantment, whisking guests away to a bygone era. As the doors of Hôtel Negresco opened on Saturday night, ladies in flowing gowns and gentlemen in tuxedos left the modern world behind, stepping into an evening of old-world elegance and romance.
As guests stepped into Nice’s iconic Hôtel Negresco on 8th March, they were greeted by hundreds of champagne glasses ready for the evening’s first toast. Servers moved through the crowd with silver trays of delicacies, setting the tone for a night of refinement. Keeping with Viennese tradition, each lady received a Damenspende—a token of appreciation—which, for this year’s ball, was a beautifully crafted hand-held fan.
Marie-Theres Michel, the organiser of the ball, delivered an emotional speech, inviting guests to fully embrace the evening: “You now become the actors of this magical moment. Let yourself be carried away by the music, the dance, and the magic of the Viennese balls.”
Following this warm welcome, guests were escorted to the opulent Salon Royal, where an exquisitely curated menu awaited, crafted with precision by Michelin-starred chef Virginie Basselot. Throughout the evening, crystal glasses shimmered as attentive servers ensured they were never empty, while the soft strains of a harp echoed through the room, heightening the sense of stepping back in time. Between courses, opera performances added a dramatic flourish, further immersing guests in the grandeur of a Viennese ball.
The highlight of the evening
The evening’s most breathtaking moment unfolded as the debutantes made their graceful entrance into the Salon Royal, their elegant white gowns shimmering under the chandeliers. Poised and radiant, they embodied the timeless tradition of the Viennese ball. Before taking their first steps onto the dance floor, they gathered alongside the ball’s representatives, who took the opportunity to welcome guests and set the stage for the enchanting waltz to come.
Madame Kaudel-Jensen, the Austrian Ambassador in Paris, expressed her gratitude and highlighted the ties between Austria and France, saying, “The first Grand Bal Viennois in Nice is a unique moment to proudly display the colours of Austria and the South region. This ball symbolises the friendship between our two countries and reflects the richness of our common heritage. I am convinced that this ball will contribute to strengthening the strong ties that unite us and lead to concrete cooperation projects.”
The debutantes then stepped onto the dance floor for their first waltz, a long-standing tradition of Viennese balls that captivated the audience. Their graceful movements and impeccable coordination reflected the elegance and refinement at the heart of the event.
As the evening progressed, guests were invited to join in, filling the dance floor and adding to the timeless charm of the night. Then, at midnight, the tradition of the Quadrille brought everyone together once more. Led by the dance school director, attendees followed the lively steps of this classic line dance, rounding off the evening with a touch of spirited tradition.
Following this successful first edition, the next Grand Bal Viennois is scheduled for 7th March 2026.
See more in our video reel below…
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All photos by Kyriaki Topalidou