Henri Chatelard is well into his forties, owns a restaurant and a cinema in the city, and appreciates women. When he meets Marie, an 18-ish strong-head who just lost her father in a small fishing village, it is not clear who is the hunter and who is the prey.

Traumatised by a serious accident, truck driver Georges Moreau knows that he must avoid strong emotions and any kind of stress. Recently wed, he hopes to start anew by opening a restaurant on the National 7 highway, although he's none too pleased when the truckers start flirting with his lovely wife. Opposite the restaurant is a petrol station owned by Pieri, whom Georges begins to suspect of having an affair with his wife. Doubtful of her fidelity, Georges realises that he's heading for a nervous breakdown.

Having recently moved into her new apartment, Irène Cazenave, the widow of a well-known police officer, is forced by one of her husband's colleagues to take part in an investigation. The building's provocative concierge has been found murdered. We watch a parade of suspects, only to learn at the end that Irène killed the janitor under blackmail. She kills herself.