Four distant cousins discover their family history by retracing their ancestor's steps after inheriting a house in rural Normandy. Suzanne Lindon stars as Adèle Vermillard, born 1895, whose life is revealed through letters and preserved photos and paintings from the end of the 19th century. The film explores multiple time frames, tracing her journey to Paris with friends Anatole (Paul Kircher) and Lucien (Vassili Schneider), while also finding what will call into question their present as modern-day cousins follow in their footsteps.