
Henri Serin (Jean-Pierre Marielle), an umbrella salesman, leads a quiet life between his work, his family and his passion for painting. During his many business trips, Henri indulges in a few amorous escapades, which provide a welcome change from the tiresome daily routine his bigoted wife locks him into. One fine day, Henri decides to drop everything and live on love and fresh water. He ends up in Pont-Aven, where he meets Émile, a local painter imitating Gauguin, with whom he shares his drinking and other feminine attractions.
Henri Serin, umbrella representative and painter

Pilgrim / Peddler

Marie, maid

Angela, frivolous young Quebec woman

Vicar

Mrs. Licquois, client in the portrait

Émile, professional painter

Sister of the pilgrim / peddler

Mrs. Serin, Henri's wife

Merchant of the first shop

Marie Pape, prostitute in Breton costume

Ida, waitress
Obsequious shopkeeper of the “Nathalie” store

Painter from Pont-Aven

Shopkeeper

Mechanic

Man with the recent car

Waitress

Hotelier
Sales representative

Nut
Naked girl
Boss of the bistro in Pont-Aven

Boss of the village café bistro

Mother Cadic