The setting is a small village in Provence, with the villagers devoting much of their time to bickering and feuding. They are all relieved when the new baker Aimable Castanier moves into the village, as they have not had quality bread in quite a while. Aurélie Castanier, Aimable's much younger wife, soon leaves her husband in favor of a handsome young shepherd. Aimable is miserable without her, and he is no longer able to concentrate on baking. In a town meeting, the villagers decide to send search patrols to look for Aurélie. Long-time foes are setting aside their differences to ensure that the village has bread and other baking goods.