Thomas Villeneuve is a renowned surgeon. Jeanne Sarlat, a young woman recently separated. He decides to invite her to dinner. The evening seems to be going wonderfully. However, in the early morning, Jeanne claims to have been raped. Thomas, surprised by the accusations, proclaims his innocence. Who is lying? Who tells the truth? A face to face is underway and no one seems ready to give up.
George-Albert Bordemer (son of the owner), top of the class and resourceful, shares the strangest of adventures with Rosy (daughter of the gardener), a nosy little minx -even though they have a love-hate relationship. Their hotel is often faced with the competition of Majestop, much bigger and much fancier; they thus have to rack their brains so as to lure customers.
Fabio Montale, a crime squad superintendent who knows Marseille like the back of his hand. The city crawls with gangs, corrupt policemen, shady politicians and the mafia – all standing in the way of justice.
It all begins when Lucien Lachenay (André Dussollier), famous builder of the moving sidewalk for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, saves the life of the beautiful Alice Avellano (Kristin Scott Thomas), whom her husband, who has gone mad, was trying to strangle. Lucien Lachenay is himself threatened by a group of anarchists who have instructed a young worker, Alphonse (Benno Fürmann), to suppress him. Alphonse messes up the job, but Lucien, impressed by his inexhaustible energy and thirst for knowledge, agrees to be his mentor instead of handing him over to the police. In the years that follow, Lucien, Alphonse, Alice and the young and attractive Laure (Isabelle Carré) will face the game of rivalry, betrayal and reconciliation.