The event was established in 1929, and it was originally called the Prix d'Astarté. It was named after
Astarte, a goddess of fertility. Deauville Racecourse was closed during World War II, and the Prix d'Astarté was not run in 1940. For the remainder of this period it was switched between
Longchamp (1941–42, 1944–45) and
Le Tremblay (1943). The present system of race grading was introduced in 1971, and the Prix d'Astarté was initially given Group 3 status. It was promoted to Group 2 level in 1982, and to Group 1 in 2004. The race was renamed the Prix Rothschild in 2008. This was in memory of
Guy de Rothschild (1909–2007), a prominent owner-breeder, and it was an acknowledgement of his family's contribution to French racing. ==Records==