First ever Bal de l’X

The institution’s first ball, the Bal de l’X is held on February 22, 1879. Organized for charity since its inception, the Bal de l’X still takes place to this day. It has been held in a considerable number of glamorous settings, including the Palais du Quai d’Orsay, Hôtel Continental, Palais du Trocadéro, Opéra Garnier and Château de Versailles.