Viennese Grand Ball dazzles the French Riviera's elite at Le Nègresco

A night of waltzes, Michelin-starred feasts, and high society unfolded in Nice. Discover why this gala is the Riviera's hottest ticket.

, and Administrator

2026 May 18 . 11:02 AM

1 min read

The image shows a group of people in colorful dresses dancing in a ballroom, with a wall and... — The image shows a group of people in colorful dresses dancing in a ballroom, with a wall and curtains in the background. At the bottom of the painting, there is text that reads "Dance of the French Revolution". The people in the painting are wearing a variety of colorful dresses, with some of them dancing in the center of the room. The colors of the dresses range from bright and vibrant to muted and subtle, creating a lively atmosphere. The wall behind them is decorated with intricate designs and patterns, adding to the beauty of the scene.

Viennese Grand Ball dazzles the French Riviera's elite at Le Nègresco

The Grand Bal Viennois de la Côte d’Azur has once again dazzled guests along the French Riviera. Now in its second year, the event has quickly become a standout occasion of the social season. This year’s gala unfolded at the iconic Hotel Le Nègresco in Nice, drawing an elite crowd from across Europe. The evening was hosted by Marie-Theres Michel, a Vienna-born art historian now living in Nice. She welcomed 200 guests, including prominent figures like Ernst Woller, Christiane Amiel, and Patrick Rizzo. The guest list also featured Pascal Hector and Patrick Amoussou-Adeble, alongside members of the Riviera’s international elite.

The centrepiece of the night was a performance by 32 debutante couples from Vienna’s Dobner Dance School. Their elegant routines captivated the audience, with the Midnight Quadrille emerging as a particular highlight. Soprano Amy Christianna Blake added to the evening’s glamour, delivering a series of musical performances. Attendees enjoyed a lavish multi-course menu crafted by Michelin-starred chef Virginie Basselot. The combination of fine dining, live music, and refined dancing cemented the event’s reputation as a cultural and social spectacle. Plans for next year’s gala are already underway. The 3rd Grand Bal Viennois de la Côte d’Azur will return to Hotel Le Nègresco on Saturday, March 13, 2027.

The second edition of the Grand Bal Viennois has reinforced its place as a must-attend event on the Riviera calendar. With its blend of Viennese tradition and Riviera sophistication, the gala continues to attract high-profile guests and artists. Next year’s date has been set, ensuring the celebration will remain a fixture for years to come.