The Grand Viennese Ball of the French Riviera

The legendary Hotel Le Negresco, a jewel of the Promenade des Anglais, is preparing to relive the magic of imperial balls on Saturday, March 7, 2026, with the second edition of the Grand Viennese Ball of the French Riviera. Following the triumph of the inaugural event in 2025, which brought together nearly 200 guests in the sumptuous Royal Salon, a listed historical monument, this unique cultural event confirms its status as an unmissable gathering where Viennese tradition meets Riviera chic.

Organized with passion by Marie-Theres Michel, a Viennese art historian based in Nice and great-granddaughter of the painter Alfred Zoff, the ball celebrates a vibrant dialogue between Vienna and the French Riviera. Many Viennese travel there specifically for the occasion, enhancing the evening's international and authentic atmosphere. The master of ceremonies, Marie-Theres Michel, elegantly perpetuates the classic codes of Viennese balls within a contemporary French setting. Among the guests of honor are prominent figures from the worlds of diplomacy, politics, culture, and business: the Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi; Deputy Mayor Christiane Amiel; Ernst Wöller (representing the Mayor of Vienna); and Viennese personalities such as master goldsmith Jean-Paul Vaugoin; Oliver Korber of Café ALT; Manuela Lindlbauer; Zaccari von Betha of the Oxford Austria Society; and a delegation from the Dobner School of Dance, led by Christian Dobner. The Dobner School will present 32 couples of debutantes for the festive opening of the ball.

Soprano Amy Christianna Blake will enchant guests with classic Viennese melodies, while Michelin-starred chef Virginie Basselot will create a refined gastronomic menu: lobster in a sweet and sour composition with romanesco broccoli and peanut praline, stuffed chicken accompanied by a celery and chestnut mille-feuille with truffle, and a citrus pavlova for dessert, followed by delicate petits fours. A champagne aperitif will precede this gala dinner, before the formal entrance of the honorary committee and the traditional opening by the debutantes.

At midnight, the famous quadrille will bring all the participants together on the dance floor, followed by waltzes and Viennese dances until the early hours of the morning (around 2 a.m.).

"This ball is much more than a social event: it is a vibrant cultural bridge between two capitals of elegance." "The journey of so many Austrians to join us testifies to the unique appeal of this evening," confides Marie-Theres Michel.

Combining an imperial waltz, haute French cuisine, and cosmopolitan guests, the Grand Viennese Ball of the French Riviera stands out as a moment of timeless, modern, and profoundly European elegance on the Riviera.

Practical information: Single price around €390 (tables of 10 available).