Born in Montreuil, Seine-Saint-Denis, Vernoux was the only daughter of a casting director and of a set decorator.

[1] After several experiences as a production assistant, she debuted in 1988 as co-director of the music video for the song "N'importe quoi" by Florent Pagny, and in 1990 she wrote the film Pacific Palisades, inspired by her own experiences.

[1] In 1991 she made her feature film debut with Pierre qui roule, which was well received by critics.

[1] Her 1999 film Empty Days was entered into the main competition at the 56th edition of the Venice Film Festival, winning the President of the Italian Senate's Gold Medal.

[2] Vernoux was married to director Jacques Audiard, with whom she had three children.