In this adaptation of "Les Deux Orphelines," two sisters are separated during the French Revolution and face a series of hardships as they attempt to find each other again. Their story unfolds against the backdrop of political unrest and social upheaval in late 18th-century France.

Gaud Mevel, a young Paimpolaise brought up in Paris, falls in love with the rough sailor, Yann Gaos. When he knows she is an orphan and poor, he marries her. A few days later, he leaves for Iceland from where he will never return. The sea will take him back, jealous of his feelings.