The story focuses on Asterix and Obelix travelling around Gaul to find and secure various delicacies in order to win a bet against a Roman Prefect that seeks to keep their village isolated from the rest of the world.

Much of the plot features notable parodies and cultural references surrounding France, including its history and society, and was the first to introduce the character of Dogmatix, after Goscinny and Uderzo found him to be popular with readers.

After gaining additional purchases in Durocortorum (Reims), Lugdunum (Lyon), Nicae (Nice), Massilia (Marseille) and Tolosa (Toulouse), a pair of Roman highwaymen rob them when they are forced to make an improntu camp.

However, they luckily recover the stolen items in Burdigala (Bordeaux), after the thieves are mistaken by the Romans for Asterix and Obelix, taking advantage of the chaos that ensues from this to acquire further delicacies in the town.

The pair then secure passage on a ship run by Captain Seniorservix, who is honored to let them aboard, where they help to prevent an attack by the pirates, who recognize Asterix and Obelix from their previous encounter.