Period balls

Show, festival (concert, dance, theatre)

Take a trip back in time with the Hôtel de la Marine's period balls!

  • In the Cour d'honneur: free without reservation

    In the state rooms: included in the monument admission ticketSeeadmission prices and access to the ticket office

  • All ages

  • The ball may take place subject to favourable weather conditions

    Costumes are not compulsory and are not lent by the monument

    Access to the Stewards' Apartments and the Al Thani Collection is not permitted for individuals wearing costumes

presentation

Numerous prestigious balls were held in the state rooms of the Hôtel de la Marine when the Ministry of the Navy occupied the building.

Major balls marked its history in the 19th century: the Ball of Europe in 1802, the coronation ball of Charles X in 1825, and the ball of Napoleon III in 1866.

The Carnet de Bals association takes over the Hôtel de la Marine to bring this history back to life with evenings worthy of the most beautiful receptions ever held at the monument.

Specialising in the reconstruction of great historic balls, the members of the association take over the monument to take you on a journey back in time to the rhythm of period dances.

How to attend a ball

There are two ways to enjoy the ball:

  • In the cour d'honneur, watch the free demonstrations and join the dancers on the dance floor for some participatory dancing.
  • In the state rooms, after a tour of the monument, admire the demonstrations in an exceptional setting. Access to the ball in the state rooms is included in the ticket for a self-guided tour of the monument: see prices.

THE BALLS RETURN EVERY MONTH TO THE HÔTEL DE LA MARINE

On the programme:

  • Belle Epoque - Friday 28 November 2025 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm
  • Second Empire - Saturday 3 January 2026 from 3pm to 6pm
  • Charles X - Friday 30 January 2026 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm
  • Revolutionary Ball - Friday 27 February 2026 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm
  • The Roaring Twenties - Friday 27 March 2026 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm
  • Louis XV and Louis XVI - Friday 24 April 2026 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm
  • Liberation of Paris - Friday 29 May 2026 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm
  • Second Empire "Middle East" - Friday 26 June 2026 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm

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