The beginning of the 20th century in provincial France. Highly sought after because of her beauty, Célestine is a young chambermaid who has just arrived from Paris into the service of the Lanlaire family. Rejecting Monsieur's overtures, Célestine must also cope with Madame Lanlaire, a strict and severe woman who rules the household with an iron fist. She makes the acquaintance of Joseph, the Lanlaire's mysterious gardener, and becomes fascinated by him.