• e-mail

Guests donned their finest and most decadent period wear last night as they stepped back in time for an evening at Versailles palace. 

The fifth Fêtes Galantes fancy dress event, promised unforgettable and timeless experience for attendees, who paid up to €510.

The evening took place in the The Palace of Versailles, located close to Paris, which was the principal royal residence of France from 1682, under Louis XIV, until the start of the French Revolution in 1789, under Louis XVI.  

In order to 'preserve the magic' of the event, guests were required to wear quality baroque-style costume - with anyone who wasn't dressed up appropriately denied entry. 

 Some attendees broke out of character briefly as they snapped pictures of the gorgeous palace during the fancy dress evening 

Those attending the event in the Chateau de Versailles paid up to €510 for tickets to the event, where they could dance through the palace 

Guests at the event, which requires mandatory fancy dress period costume 'of a high quality' snapped pictures broke out of character to snap selfies on their phones

Tickets, which cost up to €510, allowed for guests to step back in time and play trictrac or other activities within the royal palace 

Guests couldn't help but get into character as they arrived at the fifth annual Fetes Galantes in Versailles, just south west of the French capital Paris

Many of the guests at the evening went all-out with their fancy dress, as instructed, creating an atmosphere of timeless splendour. 

They were seen snapping selfies, playing trictrac and dancing through the magnificent halls of the chateau. 

The evening offered private visits to the Royal Opera, activities, sketches and demonstrations, as well as a buffet, with a reserved table and seats, and a baroque closing ball in the Hall of Mirrors. 

The occasion ended with fireworks viewed from the Hall in Mirrors, reminiscent of the glory days of Versailles. 

Male and female guests alike donned decadent outfits, including this man who chose a flowing red cape for the evening event 

Guests who paid a little more for their ticket could take part in more exclusive activities, including  a private visit to the Royal Opera

As the sun went down, the guests took in the splendour of the Chateau de Versailles in an evening which promised 'an unforgettable and timeless experience'

An Italian Venetian couple dressed in huge period costumes pose as they look the part in the "Fetes Galantes" fancy dress evening 

Some attendees couldn't help but break character to take photographs of their friends enjoying the elegant and decadent experience 

While some opted for concerts in the Royal Opera, others chose to take part in dance lessons to learn the contredanse, a favourite dance at the French Court in the 17th century 

Activities included a dancing class for the contredanse, a favourite dance at the French Court in the 17th century, in the Hall of Mirrors. Guests could also opt for a concert of sacred music in the Royal Chapel. 

Finally, some chose to visit the King's private apartments, Mesdames’ or du Pompadour’s. 

For those looking for a more affordable experience, the Marquis and Marchioness ticket offered free access to all sketches and demonstrations, 2 activities, a glass of champagne and cloakroom for the price of €135.

Meanwhile those willing to shell out €260 for the Dukes and Duchesses ticket could also recieve a staged visit of Petits Appartements as well as unlimited access to buffet and champagne bar.

Strike a pose: Several guests pose in their magnificent wigs and oversized costumes in the former throne room of Chateau de Versailles 

Many of the attendees were decked out in full period wear, with some of the women donning large feathered headpieces and huge wigs for the occasion 

Some paid up to €510 for an exclusive VIP ticket, which was limited to just 30 guests at the event, and included concerts, dance lessons and private visits in the palace 

On top of that, the Kings and Queens ticket, from €370, also offered a privileged and personalized VIP welcome from 7 pm as well as private visit of the Opera Royal.

But those most dedicated to the cause may have opted for the €510 ticket, known as the VIP Dodges ticket, which was limited to just 30 guests. 

Guests could pay for a personalized VIP welcome from 7 pm, private visit of the Opera Royal, free access to all sketches and demonstrations, a concert in the Guard Room and a concert at the Royal Chapel, a mysterious 'exceptional moment' , unlimited access to buffet with table and chairs, champagne and a dedicated cloakroom. 

As the evening grew dark, a trio of men dressed in elaborate costume left the occasion, still wearing their full faces of painted white makeup 

Some looked overjoyed at the event, which took place in lavish Italian-style decoration. Many admired the marble panelling, huge chandeliers and painted ceilings

As the evening progressed, guests remained in decadent wigs and intricate outfits as they awaited the fireworks at the end of the night 

Another woman soaked up the atmosphere as she posed dramatically in the stunning courtyard of the Chateau de Versailles, which is located close to Paris