Irene is with her elderly paramour, on the Riviera, to celebrate her birthday. When he falls asleep on her, she decides to slip down to the hotel bar. There, she mistakes barman Jean for a wealthy guest. He encourages the deceit by taking her up to the Royal Suite for the night. The following year, the same thing happens. This time her lover finds out and disowns her. Knowing Jean is a barman of little means doesn't stop her from wanting to be with him. Jean soon finds himself in Irene's shoes with an older and worldly-wise Madeleine. Even though they both have paramours, the two keep in increasingly close touch.