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.