In 1805, during the reign of Napoléon, François Vidocq is a legend within the world of bandits, thanks to his multiple successful escapes from jail. After a spectacular escape, he is found a few years later as a cloth merchant. Entrapped by his obscure past, he is accused of a crime he did not committ and is arrested. He decides to put his knowledge of the Parisian criminal world for the benefit of the Chief of safety to obtain a pardon letter.