Henri Serin (Jean-Pierre Marielle), an umbrella salesman, leads a quiet life between his work, his family and his passion for painting. During his many business trips, Henri indulges in a few amorous escapades, which provide a welcome change from the tiresome daily routine his bigoted wife locks him into. One fine day, Henri decides to drop everything and live on love and fresh water. He ends up in Pont-Aven, where he meets Émile, a local painter imitating Gauguin, with whom he shares his drinking and other feminine attractions.

Jean-Pierre Marielleas Henri Serin, umbrella representative and painter
Claude Piépluas Pilgrim / Peddler
Jeanne Goupilas Marie, maid
Dolores McDonoughas Angela, frivolous young Quebec woman
Romain Bouteilleas Vicar
Andréa Ferréolas Mrs. Licquois, client in the portrait
Bernard Fressonas Émile, professional painter
Martine Ferrièreas Sister of the pilgrim / peddler
Gisèle Grimmas Mrs. Serin, Henri's wife
Louison Roblinas Merchant of the first shop