[1] He entered the seminary and later attended the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome where he earned a licentiate in philosophy in 1956, and in theology.

[1] He later attended the Sorbonne University in Paris where he graduated with doctorates in philosophy and theology.

Pope John Paul II appointed him as Bishop of Dijon on 6 November 1982.

[3] Archbishop Balland was created and proclaimed Cardinal-Priest in the consistory of 21 February 1998 with the titular church of San Pietro in Vincoli.

[1] In 1992, politician Jean Marie Le Pen planned to hold a meeting in front of Reims Cathedral; Bishop Balland closed the cathedral and canceled masses that day in protest of this.