This acclaimed film presents the epic 16th-century saga of Margot de Valois (Isabelle Adjani) and her tragic arranged marriage to Henri of Navarre (Daniel Auteuil). In order to create an alliance between the Protestants and the Catholics, Margot is betrothed to Henri, one of the leaders of the French Protestants. Margot, despite her initial hostility, eventually becomes Henri's main ally in a convoluted and conspiratorial court. However, determined not to consummate her relationship with Henri, Margot takes a Protestant lover (Vincent Perez) and during the St. Bartholomew's Night Massacre, in which the Catholics slaughter the Protestants, helps him escape. The events that follow change not only Margot's life but the course of French history.