The action of the ballet is set in Medieval France.  Raymonda, betrothed to Jean de Brienne, is celebrating her birthday.  Her fiancé, who is expected to return from the Crusades the next day, sends her some gifts in advance delivered by his brother, the King of Hungary. 

In the next scene, while Raymonda is dreaming of her beloved Jeanne; Dame Blanche, the patron saint, appears to warn her of the Saracen knight, Abderakhman. 

The second act opens with Abderakhman arriving with gifts and his amorous proposal.   While the festivities continue, Raymonda is anxiously awaiting the arrival of her betrothed.  Abderakhman invites her to dance, then with his accomplice's attempts to abduct her.  At this moment Jean enters and a battle begins.  The King of Hungary intervenes by suggesting a duel of honor between the two rivals, in which the Saracen knight falls. 

The final act is a feast at the castle celebrating the wedding of the lovers and their Guest of Honor the Hungarian king.