Synopsis
Eight-year-old Elsa and her single mother Isabel move into a new apartment block in Paris. Julien, a gruff watchmaker who is now a pensioner, lives in the same block. After the death of his son he now has one great passion: collecting butterflies. One afternoon Elsa’s mother does not come to pick her up at the Bistrot where they were to meet and where Julien can usually be found. The old man finds himself forced to accompany the girl home. From that moment on Elsa begins to visit Julien and she discovers that the old man is planning a visit to the Vercors region to capture a rare butterfly. Elsa hides in his car, only allowing herself to be found when it is too late to turn back. At first Julien decides to consign the girl to the police, but then he allows himself to be convinced to keep her with him when Elsa tells him that her mother is in agreement with this plan. The two embark on an adventurous journey during which they learn to get to know and to love each other, notwithstanding their differences. Julien teaches Elsa respect for life and for others, while Elsa helps Julien to rediscover the pleasure and warmth of laughter.