Act 1:

First scene

The courtyard of an inn near Paris
In the crowd mingling men of quality, actresses, demimonde women, beggars, pickpockets and even rat hunters, three characters stand out: a handsome student (Des Grieux), an opulent gentleman who is surely a rich financier (Monsieur de G. M.), and a soldier (Lescaut) who is waiting for the coach to arrive. When the carriage comes to a halt, a pretty young girl (Manon) and an old man apparently very much attracted to her get out. Manon is sixteen and her parents are sending her to a convent. She is the sister of the guardsman Lescaut. He lets the travellers into the inn and, noticing the old gentleman’s attraction to Manon, decides to encourage them to pursue their acquaintance to his advantage.

Manon then meets Des Grieux. It is love at first sight. They instantly decide to leave for Paris together. During the journey, the old gentleman offered Manon some money, no doubt as an advance: this sum will be a great help to them as they flee. So when Lescaut= and the old man – their business concluded – come out of the inn, it is only to discover that Manon has disappeared. The ringleader of the beggars, whom Lescaut had caught picking Monsieur de G. M.’s pocket, relates Manon’s hasty departure with her student.

Monsieur de G. M. points out that he too is very interested in Manon. Lescaut, quick to grasp the situation, promises Monsieur de G. M. to intervene on his behalf with his sister if the former helps him (in cash) to find the two lovers.

Second scene

Des Grieux’s lodgings in Paris
Des Grieux is writing to his father to ask for money. Manon appears to be very much in love with Des Grieux. But a moment later, as Des Grieux is going out to post his letter, Lescaut bursts in with Monsieur de G. M. Manon’s fear is soon replaced by the pleasure of seduction: faced with the insistence of this suitor, whose fortune is beyond doubt, she leaves with him.

On his return, the unhappy Des Grieux finds only Lescaut at home. A decidedly unscrupulous Lescaut forcefully tries to persuade Des Grieux that Manon’s affair with Monsieur de G. M. can but be beneficial to the three of them.

Act 2:

First scene

An evening in Madame’s town house
An aristocratic residence by day, the Hôtel de Transylvanie turns into a gambling den by night. Manon, sumptuously dressed, arrives in the company of Monsieur de G. M. Des Grieux is also there, escorted by Lescaut and somewhat inebriated. Manon is confused, torn between her affection for the young man, whom she knows to be poor, and the appeal of the pleasures of the luxurious life to which the other old beau has just introduced her.

Des Grieux begs Manon to go away with him: she suggests he try his luck at gambling. Challenging Monsieur de G. M. at cards, Des Grieux is caught cheating. A scandal ensues. Des Grieux and Monsieur de G. M. have a sword fight: Des Grieux wounds Monsieur de G. M. in the arm. Taking advantage of the general confusion, Des Grieux and Manon flee.

Second scene

Des Grieux’s lodgings
Manon and Des Grieux are back together, but time is running out. Manon, despite Des Grieux’s reproaches, intends to flee with the diamonds Monsieur de G. M. gave her. The duo are abruptly interrupted by the arrival of the police led by Monsieur de G. M. They have already arrested Lescaut. They have come for Manon, whom Monsieur de G. M. accuses of prostitution. In the ensuing struggle, Lescaut is killed by a pistol shot.

Act 3:
in New Orleans

First scene

The port
The arrival of a ship from France is awaited, bringing to Louisiana - a penal colony - criminals and prostitutes, deported by order of the King. Among the wretched passengers who have just disembarked is Manon. Des Grieux has followed her, pretending to be her husband. The jailer is not insensitive to Manon’s charms, despite her sorry state.

Second scene

The jailer’s room
The jailer has had Manon brought to him. He forces her to yield to him. Des Grieux, out of his mind, shoots and kills the jailer.

Third scene

The swamps
Manon and Des Grieux have managed to escape. They wander, exhausted and lost. In a feverish delirium, Manon relives the images of her life. Nothing remains of her beautiful dream of a golden life. After a last gasp, Manon collapses and dies in Des Grieux’s arms.