Yolande was a daughter of King Charles VII of France, "The Victorious," and Marie of Anjou.

At the age of two, Yolande was betrothed to Louis, Duke of Savoy, the agreement being signed at Tours.

Her husband's retiring disposition and epilepsy left her in control of the state,[5] to struggle with the Savoyard barons.

After the humiliation of Burgundy at the Battle of Grandson in 1476, the duke accused her of being in league with Louis and imprisoned her.

After her release, she made peace with her brother and remained on good terms with him until her death.