In 1963, a soulful stranger and veteran of the Algerian war, Antoine, arrives at the small Breton island of Ouessant to become the new keeper of the lighthouse. He replaces Emile, the tower’s adored deceased patriarch, despite the locals' feeling that the job should have gone to one of their own. Easygoing and good-humored about the community's animosity towards him, Antoine eventually bonds with sullen, unfriendly Yvon while they work together at the offshore lighthouse. Back on shore, Antoine also develops a deep attraction for Emile's daughter Mabe, who just so happens to be Yvon's wife.