Antoine, an insurance clerk waits for his wife Hélène, a successful lawyer in a bar. Weary of their relationship he finishes three beers by the time she arrives. They're setting out for the South of France to pick up their children. Unfortunately, on the busiest day of the year. To calm his nerves, Antoine stops occasionally to drink. Hélène, having warned him several times, leaves. Dashing to the next station, he tries to meet her train but he's too late. Instead, he picks up a strange hitchhiker not knowing he may have crossed the path of his life.