American writer David Bourne honeymoons in the south of France with his new wife Catherine. They stay at a Mediterranean hotel, where they swim nude in the sea, ride bicycles, and fish together in the “cheerful and friendly town” (4). They eat often but seem always hungry. They have sex, eat, sleep, talk, and plan their days.

After breakfast one day, David goes fishing. He hooks a strong fish and, as he struggles to reel it in, a crowd gathers to watch. When he finally lands the fish, the men in the crowd congratulate him. Catherine runs to him and kisses him. A waiter named Andre praises David for catching the sea bass, as “no one has ever caught such a fish on such tackle” (9). Though the fish is strikingly beautiful when pulled from the water, its luster quickly fades. The fish is too big to eat, so the couple sell it at the market.

As they eat lunch, Catherine teases David about a “big surprise” (10) but refuses to give any details. As they lay in bed later that afternoon, she mentions that she is “going to be changed” (11) but still refuses to share details.