Philip Abrams, a postmaster in the south of France in Salon-de-Provence, does everything in order to be transferred to the service in Cassis, a paradise-like place near Marseilles. But all his efforts and dreams crash when for a petty misconduct he receives a disciplinary transfer for two years in Berg in the north, near Dunkirk. For people from the South of France, filled with stereotypes, North is terrible polar region inhabited by coarse creatures who speak an incomprehensible language. To his great surprise, Philip Abrams finds a charming place, a warm team, hospitable people and makes new friends.