When Olivier's friend Bernard, who is ready to take his baccalaureate, discovers that Bernard is an imbecile, he decides to use this as an excuse to run away from home. The night he spends in Olivier's bed is a memorable one (where Olivier describes a recent visit to a prostitute and how he did not find the experience very enjoyable). As a result of Bernard stealing the suitcase belonging to Olivier's uncle Edouard, he is promoted to secretary by Edouard. A jealous Olivier joins up with Comte de Passavant, a cynical and downright wicked man who takes him on a Mediterranean vacation.