The children of a small European mountain village end up being its only residents, soon after the adults cannot take their behavior any longer.

A young journalist (Lespert) helps the French President compile his memoirs.

Sucre Amer tells the story of a unique court case in which an event from the past is judged by a court of history. Major figures from history are brought together in the present to re-examine the "Ignace case", about a legendary figure in the history of Guadeloupe who fought against the armies of Napoleon Bonaparte to preserve his freedom. A hero despite himself, Ignace's life and struggle were subsequently consigned to oblivion by his enemies. His treatment has left a bittersweet taste in the mouths of the people of Guadeloupe.

A young surgeon returns to her hometown to work in the local hospital. The relationship to her ex-lover, a well-known chief-surgeon, flames up again but not with happy consequences. The old friends become rivals in personal and professional fields.

Julien Mauriès, the youngest of a perfumer's family was forced to go into exile after having an unfortunate experience in the estate business. He spent 20 years in Venezuela and made fortune in the perfume business. Now, Julien has decided to come back in France in order to start again and to cleanse his honour.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, a young man from the upper middle class tries to escape the constraints of his family.