"Marie-Antoinette - La jeunesse d'une reine" chronicles the early life of Marie-Antoinette, the future Queen of France, from her childhood in Austria to her arrival in France as the dauphine. The narrative begins with Marie-Antoinette as a young archduchess in the Habsburg court, where she is depicted as a spirited and carefree girl, often at odds with the rigid expectations of her royal upbringing. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she is betrothed to Louis-Auguste, the future Louis XVI, as part of a political alliance between Austria and France.

The manga delves into the complexities of Marie-Antoinette's transition from Austrian royalty to French dauphine, highlighting her struggles to adapt to the strict etiquette and political intrigues of the French court. Her relationship with her mother, Empress Maria Theresa, is a central theme, as the empress exerts significant influence over her daughter, urging her to prioritize her duties as a future queen over personal desires. Marie-Antoinette's interactions with key figures, such as her husband Louis-Auguste, her brother-in-law the Comte de Provence, and her confidante the Princesse de Lamballe, are explored in detail, showcasing the tensions and alliances within the royal family.

As Marie-Antoinette navigates her new role, the manga portrays her growing awareness of the political and social challenges facing France. Her initial naivety and reluctance to engage with court politics gradually give way to a more nuanced understanding of her position, though her actions often draw criticism from both the court and the public. The story also touches on her efforts to assert her independence and find moments of joy amidst the constraints of her position, such as her love for music, fashion, and the arts.

The narrative builds toward Marie-Antoinette's eventual ascension to the throne, setting the stage for the tumultuous events that would later define her reign. The manga provides a detailed and historically grounded portrayal of her formative years, emphasizing the personal and political pressures that shaped her into one of history's most iconic figures. Through its exploration of her relationships, struggles, and growth, the series offers a compelling depiction of Marie-Antoinette's journey from a young archduchess to the Queen of France.