Josiane Balasko, Michel Blanc, Marie-Anne Chazel, Gérard Jugnot, Thierry Lhermitte and Christian Clavier wrote and created together the play "Amours, Coquillages et Crustacés", and drew the scenario for Les Bronzés from this café-théâtre piece.

In 1978, Gigi, Jérôme, Christiane, Jean-Claude, and Bernard simultaneously arrive at the Club Med in Assinie, Côte d'Ivoire, each with their distinct personalities.

The vacation spot operates on a system where guests pay with beads worn as necklaces and enjoy a series of organized activities and shared leisure facilitated by "gentil organisateurs" (G.O.)

Both Bernard and Nathalie decide to have extramarital affairs, while Jérôme, a doctor, and Jean-Claude engage in unsuccessful attempts at flirting.

However, a serious incident marks the end of their stay as Bourseault, Gigi's love interest, unexpectedly dies from a stingray sting.