In a charming country called France, in the middle of the 18th century, people lived happily, women were easy and men dedicated themselves to war, their favorite sport. War supplied kings with their only entertainment in which their subjects were also obliged to play a part. To escape an arranged marriage, Fanfan, a young adventurer not adverse to a lady’s charms, joins Louis XV’s army.
To encourage him to enlist, Adeline, the very beautiful daughter of a recruiting sergeant, predicts that an incredible destiny lies ahead for Fanfan and that the king’s daughter will be his should he march beneath the royal flag.
On his way to the army encampment in Aquitane, Fanfan intervenes and scares off a horde of brigands about to attack the royal carriage. It turns out that the carriage’s passengers are none other than Madame de Pompadour and Henriette, the sovereign’s daughter.
Fanfan sees this as a sign of Adeline’s predictions coming true. The absurd complexities of military strategy, Fanfan’s fiery spirit and many adventures complicate his dreams of grandeur. Risking his life, Fanfan tries to thwart a historical conspiracy that will bring him glory, unexpected love and the certitude that man can become master of his own destiny.