ACT I – AMIENS
The elderly Guillot de Morfontaine and his mistresses Poussette, Javotte and Rosette are enjoying a raucous dinner in the company of Brétigny. Just then, a group of travellers arrive. Among them is the young Manon. She is greeted by her cousin Lescaut who has been given the task of escorting her to the convent. The beautiful young girl does not go unnoticed and Guillot attempts to woo her by flaunting his wealth. Lescaut sends him on his away and urges Manon to be prudent while he goes to visit the louche little cabaret next door. Left alone once more, Manon dreams of the life that has been denied her. The arrival of the Chevalier Des Grieux pulls her out of her melancholy: for the young pair it is love at first sight and they decide to run away to Paris.

ACT II – PARIS
The young couple are now living in a makeshift apartment. Des Grieux reads Manon the letter he has written to his father informing the latter of his intention to marry her. As he does, they are interrupted by the arrival of Lescaut and Brétigny whom Manon immediately recognises despite his disguise. A game of deception begins: Lescaut pretends to have reconciled with Des Grieux, while Brétigny informs Manon that her lover will be taken to his father by force that same evening. In exchange for her silence, he promises to make her the queen of Paris society. Despite the sincerity of her love, Manon agrees and resigns herself to changing her life. Des Grieux senses her torment but it is toolate: he is dragged away despite Manon’s protestations.

ACT III – FIRST SCENE: THE COURS-LA-REINE

It is a public holiday on the Cours-la-Reine promenade. Poussette, Javotte and Rosette are having fun at Guillot’s expense while Lescaut is playing the suitor. Manon makes a grand entrance and proclaims before her gathered admirers the necessity of making the most of being young. She overhears a conversation between Brétigny and Des Grieux and learns that Des Grieux has decided to withdraw from the world and enter a seminary. Guillot, who is eager to seduce Manon and steal her away from Brétigny, has arranged to have the Opera Ballet perform for her. However, Manon decides to leave the festivities and go off in search of Des Grieux.

ACT III – SECOND SCENE: SAINT-SULPICE
Des Grieux has just delivered a sermon that has greatly impressed the devout congregation. His father again tries to dissuade him from taking holy orders, but the young man remains intransigent. The arrival of Manon, however, greatly unsettles him. She begs him to forgive her for her betrayal. Des Grieux is torn between his desire and his new duties but he ultimately yields to Manon’s charms and runs away with her again.

ACT IV – THE HOTEL DE TRANSYLVANIE
Manon’s profligate spending has depleted Des Grieux’s resources. To replenish them, he lets himself be drawn into a gambling den often frequented by Lescaut. Despite his reluctance and distaste for gambling, he agrees to play a couple of rounds with Guillot which Des Grieux wins in quick succession. The latter’s remarkable luck irks his adversary who accuses him of cheating. Guillot threatens the couple and leaves but returns soon thereafter with the police who arrest Manon and Des Grieux with the blessing of Des Grieux’s father.

ACT V – THE ROAD TO LE HAVRE
On a road leading to Le Havre, Des Grieux and Lescaut await the passage of a convoy of girls sentenced for deportation. Lescaut manages to bribe the guards so that Manon and Des Grieux can spend a moment alone. The young woman blames herself for destroying their love and begs forgiveness. Des Grieux reassures her and tries to give her hope, but she dies in his arms dreaming of their past happiness.