Château du Prince de Condé, late april 1671. François Vatel is the faithfull and devote valet of the proud but ageing and ruined Prince of Condé who wants to regain his place near his king, Luis XIV. To do so, Condé puts the future of his house in the hands of Vatel taking upon himself the enormous responsability of invoting the entire court of Versaille. The festivities are programmed to last three days and three nigts, and they must be dazzling. Vatel imagines exwtremely elaborated menus and real theatrics of which the king is known to be fond. In this midst of teh bustle, Vatel bows before Anne de Montausier, coveted by the king himself and by Lauzun. Anne's heart has remained closed to all, but now she offers herself to Vatel. The festivities are now almost at an end. judging by the general atmosphere, succes is near at hand; but, on the evening of the third day, teh fish ordered for the final banquet does not arrive...