In a rural French village an old man and his only remaining relative cast their covetous eyes on an adjoining vacant property. They need its spring water to grow their own flowers and crops, so are dismayed when they hear the new owner is moving in. They block up the spring and watch as their new neighbour, Jean, tries to keep his crops watered for wells far afield throughout the hot summer. Though they see his desperate efforts are breaking his health and his wife and daughter's hearts, they turn a blind eye as events reach their tragic conclusion.
Manon des Sources picks up the thread ten years on, as Jean's daughter Manon, now a beautiful woman, discovers her neighbours' heartless actions, and attempts to avenge her fathers death.
