Paulette Van der Beck runs a housekeeping school in 1960s France. She enthusiastically teaches young women how to maintain a household and fulfill their marital duties. When her husband suddenly dies, Paulette discovers that the school is on the brink of financial collapse. Her confidence begins to crumble, while the spirit of May 1968—with its ideals of freedom and feminism—sweeps across the country. The return of her first love forces Paulette to question whether it is time for her to become a free woman herself.