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The Grand Bal Viennois will transport guests back to the Austrian-Hungarian Empire era when they enter Nice’s Hotel Negresco on 8th March. For one evening, the Salon Royal will become a time capsule where the modern world fades away and the elegance of imperial Vienna takes centre stage.
With their period attire and dancing shoes at the ready, the guests of The Grand Bal Viennois are set to embark on a unique journey where emperors and empresses still lead the way.
Marie-Theres Michel, who grew up in Vienna, created the event, and told Monaco Life that nostalgia for this period remains deeply embedded in Austrian culture. “Many people tease me by saying ‘why do you always talk about former times?’, and without hesitating I say ‘well, it’s the time of Franz-Joseph!’,” she said. “Maybe it is a little crazy and old fashioned, but for a lot of Austrians, this time is still very present in our minds. Austrians are very nostalgic, and with the Viennese balls, we keep this nostalgia alive.”
Inside the Grand Bal Viennois
The evening begins at 7pm when the doors of the Salon Royal open to welcome guests with champagne and cocktails, setting an elegant tone for the night ahead.
While traditional Viennese balls typically start at 10pm without dinner, Marie-Theres decided to further enhance the experience for her guests. Forty-five minutes after the welcome reception, Michelin-starred chef Virginie Basselot, who has been creating prestigious cuisine at Negresco since 2018, will serve a Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
Following the meal, the night will continue based on Viennese tradition – the classical opening ceremony organised by the Viennese Dancing School. Sixteen debutant couples will perform accompanied by ‘The Hohner’’, a musical ensemble flying in from Vienna specifically for this event. Known for their performances at traditional Viennese balls, they will play authentic Viennese waltzes and traditional melodies. Once the opening ceremony wraps up, the representative of the City of Vienna will give a speech and then officially open the ball ‘’Alles Walzer’’.
When the clock strakes 12, it’s time for the ball’s highlight; the famous ‘Quadrille’. “It is the most fun part, as even Austrians who have danced it numerous times keep forgetting parts of it’’, Marie-Therres explained. “It’s a kind of line dancing where all guests are invited to participate. As just a few people know what to do, the director of the dancing school guides everyone through the steps. Even though it becomes somewhat chaotic, it’s a perfect moment for everybody to dance together. The origins of the Quadrille date back to the 19th century, which was the great period of balls.” This dance, in combination with the historical ball room that the Negresco encompasses, will make for a truly magical atmosphere, contributing to the time-travel experience.
In our increasingly globalised world, says Marie-Therres, “it is important to refine and redefine the values and origins of our European culture. The idea is to transmit a certain savoir-vivre – historic and classic traditions and values to the guests attending the Grand Viennese Ball.’’
Even though this is the first year Marie-Therres is hosting the ball, she hopes to make it an annual tradition for the French Riviera, with the second edition already planned for 7th March 2026.
Useful information
Tickets for the ball are priced at 360€, or 110€ for a strolling ticket.
A tip for the ladies arriving at the ball: before heading towards the Salon Royal, don’t forget to pick up a ‘Damenspende’, a small gift offered to participating ladies by the ball’s organisers and a sign of appreciation and courtesy. This is an elegant and refined tradition of Viennese balls, much more than a simple gesture: it’s a symbol of Austrian gallantry and art de vivre.
VIP services are also available, including special rates for stays at Hotel Negresco, private tours of the Cote d’Azur, dance lessons before the ball, private chauffeurs and recommendations for purchasing formal attire.
Approximately 150 guests are expected, and while the event is nearly sold out, final reservations can be made on the Grand Bal Viennois official website:
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