D'Aulnoy was born in Barneville-la-Bertran, in Normandy, as a member of the noble family of Le Jumel de Barneville.

[2] In 1666, she was given at the age of fifteen (by her father) in an arranged marriage to a Parisian thirty years older—François de la Motte, Baron d'Aulnoy, of the household of the Duke of Vendôme.

The Marchioness de Gadagne fled to England, and although a warrant was served for Mme d'Aulnoy's arrest, she escaped from officers through a window and hid in a church.

Mme d'Aulnoy hosted salon gatherings in her home at rue Saint-Benoît that were frequented by leading aristocrats and princes, including her close friend, Saint-Evremond.

D'Aulnoy published twelve books including three pseudo-memoirs, two fairy tale collections and three "historical" novels.

She gained the reputation as a historian and recorder of tales from outside France, and elected as a member of Paduan Accademia dei Ricovrati, where she was called by the name of the muse of history, Clio.

Much of her writing created a world of animal brides and grooms, where love and happiness came to heroines after surmounting great obstacles.