In 1671, with war brewing with Holland, a penniless prince invites Louis XIV to about 3 days of celebrations at a chateau at Chantilly. The prince wants a commission as an overall, so the extravagances are to impress the king. Accountable of all is your steward, a man of honour, Vatel, talent, and low birth. The prince is craven in his longing for stature: no task is too menial or dishonorable for him to offer Vatel. He finds himself attracted the king mistress, to Anne de Montausier while Vatel attempts to sustain faith. In Vatel, she finds somebody who's true, living his principles within the casual cruelties of politics. Can the pair of these escape ?