Amour-sur-Belle is a village so ugly that even the English refuse to live there. The barber, Guillaume Ladoucette, is forced to give up his business as the advancing age of his customers means many have gone bald. He decides to set up as a matchmaker instead, for, despite its name, love is one thing Amour-sur-Belle lacks.

McBride is having a tough time. The last expert in the ancient art of pearl fishing, he's on a quest to track down the pearl that will complete a necklace for his wife, Elspeth, convinced that the love token will save their marriage.