Massenet's Cenrdrillon, with libretto by Henri Cain, is based on Charles Perrault's version of the fairy tale in his collection Histoires ou Contes du Temps Passé published in 1697. As such, the story differs somewhat from the usual version of the fairytale.

Cendrillon opened in Paris on May 24, 1899 and was an immediate success, enjoying a run of 50 performances. It went to enjoy success in many opera houses around the world, although it was not performed at the Met until 2018. The melodic score evokes the fantastical nature of the fairytale and features some of Massenent's most beautiful music.