A young French girl, Elsa (Claire Bouanich), is often left on her own due to the work schedule of her single mother, Isabelle (Nade Dieu). After Elsa ends up spending time with Julien (Michel Serrault), a surly old butterfly collector, the two set out on a journey through the countryside. Intent on finding a particularly short-lived butterfly, Julien and Elsa form an unlikely friendship on their rural trek, but trouble arises when her mom becomes concerned as to her whereabouts.