In 1960, in a coastal town near to Nantes, Jean Ripoche lives with his wife Liliane, their four children and Liliane’s father Lucien. Jean divides his time between running his plumbing business and making a float for the Nantes carnival. The Ripoche’s ordered lives are thrown into turmoil when Jean’s former friend, Yvon Legualoudec, returns to the town – with his black wife Annabelle and their three children. Before he disappeared twenty years ago, without saying a word, Yvon was Jean’s rival for Liliane’s affections. As bitter memories resurface, the relationship between Jean, Yvon and Liliane become strained.

Deux copains d'enfance ont réalisé deux rêves qu'ils avaient en commun. Jean Ripoche réalise le premier, celui de partir à la découverte du monde sur un bateau. Yvon Legoualoudec réalise quant à lui le second, séduire la jolie Liliane Soulas.