Fêtes Galantes Versailles : A Gilded Evening at the Château de Versailles
What Is the Fêtes Galantes at Versailles?
A fête galante is an 18th-century reference in French culture to an elegant, outdoor celebration or gathering that often featured music, dancing, conversation, and refined flirtation among aristocratic guests. These gatherings became popularized during the Rococo period, an artistic and cultural movement that flourished in France—and later throughout Europe—roughly between 1730 and 1770, following the grandeur and seriousness of the Baroque era. Often associated with the reign of Louis XV, Rococo is known for its lightness, elegance, and playful sensuality.
These sophisticated fêtes were immortalized in the dreamy, romantic paintings of artists like Antoine Watteau, François Boucher, or Jean-Honoré Fragonard, whose works depicted courtiers in idyllic garden settings, reveling in leisure and love. Today, the Fêtes Galantes at Versailles revives this enchanting spirit, inviting modern-day guests to step back in time for a night of elaborate costumes, candlelit halls, and historical pageantry within the gilded walls of the Château de Versailles.
I had the absolute pleasure to attend my first Fête in 2024 with my husband and a very dear friend. Let me say, it was quite the adventure. I had heard of this event and had dreamed of going for years and now, it this dream had become a reality!
Preparing for the Ball: Costume, Makeup & Magic
Attending in costume is an obligation and not everyone has an 18th century court attire hanging in the back of their closet. Thankfully, the event coordinators put together a list of places you can rent your costume for the evening. If you are feeling extra adventurous and have the skills, you can certainly make your own costume.
We chose l’Académie du Bal Costumé in the 12th to rent our outfits. We did this a bit last minute (in April) so when we went, there were not a lot of choices left. So, if you end up deciding to go, as soon as you secure your tickets, make arrangements for your costumes. The lady at the shop was very helpful and allowed us to try on whatever we wanted. I knew at the time I was going to 4 months pregnant at the time of the event and shared this with the lady. I did not know if I would be showing at all or not and she helped my pick out a dress that would be forgiving if I did show. The lady told us that if there were any alterations that needed to be done, that they would be doing those. For example, if a hem needed to be taken in or something shortened.
Be prepared, we put a 700€ caution (security deposit) on each outfit and was in holding on our bank account. The rental fee was also 250€ for each of our costumes. I did not realize there would be a security deposit and thankfully my husband was able to take that on his card. The security deposit was released once we returned the costumes and they were inspected.
L’ACADÉMIE DU BAL COSTUMÉ
22 avenue Ledru-Rollin, 75012 Paris / 01 43 47 06 08
Open Tuesday to Samedi from 10h00 to 19h00.
No appointment needed.
My outfit came with a cape and a bag. I needed to provide my own stockings and shoes. Thomas’s came with the hat, shoe buckles, and socks. I knew that I would need some jewelry and things for my hair. I relied on Claire’s and vide greniers. I was able to find some gorgeous pearl necklaces and bracelet set at a vide grenier and Claire’s found me a flower chocker with some jewels for my hair. I also ended up buy some hair extensions to make my hair bigger.
I kept my makeup simple, I didn’t want anything to extensive because I was pregnant, always hot, and did not know what the conditions would be like in the château. I’m glad I kept it this way because once inside the château, there were areas that were definitely warmer than others.
Arriving at the Château de Versailles
Getting to the Château is completely up to you. If you feel brave enough, you can arrive in public transportation style. You can get to the Château by either train (which I recommend) or the RER. You have your pick of station since there are 3 in Versailles. The Château’s website explains all the different options for you. We opted for a taxi to take us to the château, considering I was coming out of the first trimester of pregnancy and still feeling some of the effects of that.
When you arrive at the Château, you will enter through the left side to go through security. Then, you will be ushered into the Cour de Marbre, the iconic marbled courtyard where the esteemed guests of the King. Here you will make your way from the security into the Grands Apartements, where can wander freely all the way through to the Hall of Mirrors.
Inside the Fêtes Galantes: What to Expect
Upon arrival to the Château, you will queue and have to go through security. I’m sure the court at the time of the kings did not have to go through metal detectors. It was fun waiting in line to enter the château as the guests of the day were leaving as well as being able to see the other attendees arriving. Everyone commenting on everyones’ outfits.
Depending on your tickets, depends on the line you will use. Once through security, you will pass through to the royal Courtyard where you will be greeted with a glass of champagne. Unfortunately, they did not offer a non-alcoholic option, I asked, which was a bummer. Here, before entering the King’s quarters, you were able to take as many pictures as you like, wherever you liked.
We arrived before our friends, so we decided to take the photo opportunity and take as many photos as possible. A lovely couple took our photo together in exchange for us taking their photo. Once the photos were done, we entered into the Château.
Once inside, you can drop any items off at coat-check as needed and you can be on your merry way to explore the castle.
Why You Should Attend the Fêtes Galantes at Least Once
There are two very popular costumed events at the Château, les Fêtes Galantes and La Grande Bal Masquée. Les Fêtes Galantes is the more tamer of the two events, but just as fabulous. The ability to dress up in period-style costumes (when we went in 2024, it was based on Madame du Barry’s time at court) and roam around one of the most iconic monuments in French history is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The evening spent at Versailles château at the Fêtes brings alive the magic and history that lives within the walls. It feels as if you have stepped back in time, minus all the influencers and Instagram/TikTok stars. I’m sure there were the equivalent of that back in the day.
This is something that I’d love to do again and hope to be able to score tickets easily for the next time. And maybe I’ll be ambitious enough to make my own costume. Who knows.
The official Fêtes Galantes page is where you’ll find the most information in regards to the event. The types of tickets available, the list of costume shops if you need to rent something, the timeline of the evening, and a FAQ section.
The Facebook page has a plethora of photos and information if you are looking for inspiration.
Tips for First-Time Attendees
Buy your tickets early. If you don’t succeed a first time because they sell out so quick, check back later that day because the group will most likely release more. That was how we were able to get tickets.
Secure your costume the earlier the better. The accessories can come later. If you have to rent and you want to have a wide selection, get it as soon as possible.
Wear comfortable shoes. If your tickets do not include a seated area, there are not too many seats available to sit down. Thankfully I was able to find seats when I needed them.
There’s food on site if you need to eat, but eat an early dinner because the menu is a bit pricey for the portion size.
If you choose your 2 activities, go to them, don’t miss them. We missed one of our activities and only made it to the second one. It was a concert in the Royal Chapel and it was breath-taking.
Book your transportation for going home before if you can. We ended up leaving before the fireworks because I was exhausted and sore. We ended up snagging a taxi right outside the main entrance as there was a pool of taxis waiting.
Take all the photos because this is a night to remember and an absolute banger of an experience.
