In the joyous Montmartre of the early 20th century, a troupe of artists, including Max Jacob, Pablo Picasso and Guillaume Apollinaire, lead a bohemian life of work, muses, collectors and sleepless nights.

Cubism scandalizes. The beginnings of artistic recognition are accompanied by ruptures: Picasso moves to Montparnasse. World War I breaks out. Picasso and Max Jacob, discharged from the army, remain in Paris. Braque, Derain and Apollinaire leave for the front.

In 1916, in Montparnasse, foreign artists starve. In 1917, Surrealism is born.

While Man Ray has a passionate relationship with Kiki, Aragon meets Elsa Triolet. Picasso lives between two women. Salvador Dalí bursts in.

The Spanish Civil War mobilizes artists. In 1937, the Guernica massacre inspires Picasso.

During World War II, artists and intellectuals flee Europe; but those who remain try to survive.