What is the plot?

The story begins with the introduction of the prestigious culinary school, the Auguste Armand Institute, located in the picturesque region of France. The main character, Tom Darmon, is a passionate young chef who dreams of becoming a great cook like his late father. He arrives at the school, eager to prove himself and make a name in the culinary world. Tom's determination is palpable as he navigates the bustling environment filled with aspiring chefs.

Tom quickly meets his fellow students, including the ambitious and talented chef, Anaïs, who becomes a significant figure in his life. Their initial interactions are marked by competition, but there is an undeniable chemistry between them. As they both strive to impress their instructors, particularly the stern and demanding chef, Claude, tensions rise. Tom's desire to excel is fueled by his father's legacy, which he feels he must honor.

As the weeks progress, Tom faces various challenges, including intense cooking competitions and personal conflicts with his classmates. One pivotal moment occurs during a team challenge where Tom and Anaïs are paired together. Their differing cooking styles lead to friction, but they ultimately manage to create a dish that impresses the judges. This success strengthens their bond, and they begin to develop a deeper connection, both personally and professionally.

However, the arrival of a new student, Lisandro, complicates matters. Lisandro is charismatic and talented, quickly gaining the attention of both Tom and Anaïs. Tom feels threatened by Lisandro's presence, which leads to jealousy and rivalry. The competition intensifies as they all vie for the top spot in the class, and Tom's insecurities begin to surface. He struggles with self-doubt, questioning whether he can live up to the expectations set by his father and the school.

In a dramatic turn of events, Tom discovers a secret about Lisandro that shakes him to his core. Lisandro has a personal connection to Tom's father, which adds layers of complexity to their rivalry. This revelation forces Tom to confront his feelings of inadequacy and the weight of his father's legacy. The emotional turmoil drives him to push himself harder in the kitchen, leading to both breakthroughs and setbacks in his culinary journey.

As the school year progresses, the students are tasked with preparing for a prestigious culinary competition. The pressure mounts, and friendships are tested. Tom and Anaïs's relationship deepens, but they also face obstacles, including misunderstandings and external pressures from their peers. Tom's determination to win the competition becomes an obsession, causing him to neglect his personal relationships and well-being.

The climax of the story occurs during the competition itself. Tom, Anaïs, and Lisandro each present their signature dishes to a panel of esteemed judges. The tension is palpable as they showcase their skills, and the stakes are higher than ever. Tom's dish is a tribute to his father, infused with emotion and creativity. However, a last-minute mishap threatens to derail his chances of success. In a moment of desperation, Tom improvises, showcasing his ability to adapt under pressure.

The judges deliberate, and the results are announced. Tom's dish receives high praise, but Lisandro's dish ultimately takes the top prize. The loss is devastating for Tom, who feels he has let down his father's memory. However, the experience teaches him valuable lessons about resilience and the importance of collaboration over competition.

In the aftermath of the competition, Tom reconciles with Anaïs, realizing that their relationship is more important than any title. They decide to work together on future culinary projects, combining their strengths. Lisandro, too, becomes a more complex character as he reveals his own struggles and insecurities, leading to a newfound respect between the three of them.

The season concludes with Tom, Anaïs, and Lisandro embarking on a new culinary adventure, ready to face the challenges ahead together. Their journey is one of growth, friendship, and the pursuit of culinary excellence, setting the stage for future developments in their lives and careers.

What is the ending?

In the ending of "Ici tout commence," the story culminates in a dramatic confrontation at the culinary school, where personal and professional conflicts reach a boiling point. Key characters face their choices, leading to significant changes in their relationships and futures.

As the final episodes unfold, the tension escalates between the main characters, particularly between Maxime and his rival, Tom. Maxime's determination to prove himself as a chef leads him to take risks that put his relationships on the line. Meanwhile, Salomé grapples with her feelings for both Maxime and Tom, creating a love triangle that complicates the dynamics at the school.

In the climactic moments, a cooking competition serves as the backdrop for the resolution of these conflicts. The stakes are high, and the pressure mounts as each character strives to showcase their culinary skills while dealing with their personal issues. The competition not only tests their abilities but also forces them to confront their emotions and the consequences of their actions.

Ultimately, Maxime emerges victorious in the competition, solidifying his place at the school and gaining recognition for his talent. However, this victory comes at a cost, as it strains his relationship with Salomé, who feels torn between her admiration for Maxime and her connection to Tom. Tom, on the other hand, faces the reality of his rivalry with Maxime and must reassess his own ambitions and feelings.

As the series concludes, the characters are left at a crossroads. Maxime must navigate the complexities of his newfound success while dealing with the fallout in his personal life. Salomé is left to make a choice about her future and whom she truly wants to be with. Tom, reflecting on his journey, contemplates his next steps in both his career and his relationships.

The ending encapsulates the themes of ambition, love, and the pursuit of dreams, leaving the audience with a sense of hope and uncertainty about what lies ahead for each character.


In the final episodes of "Ici tout commence," the atmosphere at the culinary school is charged with anticipation as the students prepare for the prestigious cooking competition. The camera pans over the bustling kitchen, capturing the clattering of pots and pans, the vibrant colors of fresh ingredients, and the focused expressions of the young chefs. Maxime stands at his station, his brow furrowed in concentration, determined to prove himself after a series of setbacks.

Scene 1: The Competition Begins As the competition kicks off, the tension is palpable. Maxime exchanges glances with Salomé, who is nervously preparing her own dish. Their unspoken connection is evident, but the weight of their unresolved feelings hangs heavily in the air. Tom, standing nearby, watches them with a mix of envy and determination, knowing that this competition is not just about cooking but also about winning Salomé's heart.

Scene 2: The Cooking Challenge The judges arrive, and the students present their dishes one by one. Maxime's dish is a reflection of his growth as a chef, showcasing his creativity and technical skills. The camera zooms in on his hands as he meticulously plates his creation, a look of fierce determination etched on his face. Meanwhile, Salomé struggles with her own dish, her mind racing as she tries to balance her culinary vision with the pressure of the competition.

Scene 3: Personal Conflicts Emerge As the competition progresses, personal conflicts come to the forefront. Maxime and Tom's rivalry intensifies, leading to a heated exchange in the kitchen. Maxime, fueled by his desire to win, confronts Tom about his tactics, while Tom accuses Maxime of being overly ambitious and reckless. The argument escalates, drawing the attention of their classmates and the judges, creating a dramatic moment that underscores the stakes of the competition.

Scene 4: The Final Tasting The judges taste the final dishes, and the atmosphere is thick with anticipation. Maxime watches nervously as they sample his creation, his heart racing. Salomé, standing beside him, offers a supportive smile, but her eyes reveal her inner turmoil. The judges deliberate, and the tension builds as they announce the winner. Maxime's name is called, and a wave of relief and triumph washes over him. He embraces his classmates, but the victory feels bittersweet as he glances at Salomé, who appears conflicted.

Scene 5: Aftermath and Reflection In the aftermath of the competition, the characters gather to celebrate. Maxime is hailed as a rising star, but the celebration is overshadowed by the unresolved feelings between him, Salomé, and Tom. Salomé pulls Maxime aside, expressing her pride in his achievement but also her confusion about their relationship. Maxime, caught off guard, realizes that his victory has created a rift between them.

Scene 6: Choices and Consequences As the night unfolds, Tom confronts Salomé, urging her to choose between him and Maxime. The emotional weight of the moment is palpable, and Salomé is left to grapple with her feelings. The camera captures her internal struggle, highlighting her desire for both love and independence. The episode ends with her standing at a crossroads, symbolizing the choices that lie ahead.

In the final moments, the characters reflect on their journeys, each facing their own challenges and decisions. Maxime, now a celebrated chef, must navigate the complexities of success and relationships. Salomé stands at a pivotal moment in her life, contemplating her future. Tom, having faced defeat, must reassess his ambitions and what he truly wants.

The series concludes with a sense of hope and uncertainty, leaving the audience eager to see how these characters will evolve in the next chapter of their lives.

Is there a post-credit scene?

"Ici tout commence," the French television series that premiered in 2020, does not feature post-credit scenes in the traditional sense. The show focuses on the lives of students and staff at the prestigious culinary school, the Auguste Armand Institute, and each episode typically concludes with a resolution to the day's events or a cliffhanger that leads into the next episode.

The narrative is rich with character development, emotional conflicts, and culinary challenges, but it does not include additional scenes after the credits that would provide further insight or tease future plotlines. Instead, the show maintains its storytelling within the main episode structure, allowing viewers to engage with the characters and their journeys without the need for post-credit content.

What is the relationship between Maxime and Salomé throughout the series?

Maxime and Salomé's relationship is central to the narrative of 'Ici tout commence.' Initially, they share a strong bond as they both navigate their culinary education at the prestigious Institute Auguste Armand. Their chemistry is palpable, filled with moments of flirtation and support. However, as the series progresses, their relationship becomes complicated due to external pressures, including family expectations and rivalries within the culinary world. Maxime's ambition often clashes with Salomé's desire for independence, leading to emotional turmoil and misunderstandings that test their connection.

How does the character of Teyssier influence the students at the institute?

Teyssier, the head chef at the Institute Auguste Armand, is a formidable presence whose strict and demanding nature significantly impacts the students. He embodies the high standards of the culinary world, pushing students like Maxime and Salomé to their limits. His tough love approach often leads to intense confrontations, revealing his own vulnerabilities and past traumas. Teyssier's influence is both motivating and intimidating, as he instills a sense of discipline while also creating an environment filled with tension and competition.

What challenges does Salomé face in her culinary journey?

Salomé faces numerous challenges throughout her culinary journey at the institute. Initially, she struggles with self-doubt, particularly in comparison to her peers, including Maxime. As she strives to prove herself, she encounters obstacles such as intense competition, the pressure to meet Teyssier's expectations, and her own family issues that weigh heavily on her. Salomé's determination to succeed is often tested, leading her to make difficult choices that impact her relationships and her self-identity as a chef.

What role does the rivalry between Maxime and his brother play in the story?

The rivalry between Maxime and his brother, who is also a talented chef, serves as a significant plot element that drives much of the conflict in the series. Their competitive relationship is fueled by family dynamics and differing expectations from their parents. Maxime's desire to step out of his brother's shadow and establish his own identity as a chef leads to intense emotional struggles. This rivalry not only affects Maxime's personal growth but also influences his relationships with other characters, particularly Salomé, as he navigates the complexities of ambition and familial loyalty.

How does the character of Claire evolve throughout the series?

Claire, a key character in 'Ici tout commence,' undergoes significant evolution throughout the series. Initially portrayed as a supportive figure within the institute, her backstory reveals deeper layers of complexity, including her struggles with past failures and her desire to protect her students. As the series progresses, Claire faces moral dilemmas that challenge her values and her role as a mentor. Her journey reflects themes of redemption and resilience, as she learns to confront her fears and embrace her passion for teaching, ultimately becoming a more assertive and influential presence in the lives of the students.

Is this family friendly?

"Ici tout commence" is a French television series that revolves around the lives of students and staff at a prestigious culinary school. While the show primarily focuses on themes of ambition, friendship, and romance, there are some elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers.

  1. Romantic Relationships: The series features various romantic entanglements, including love triangles and breakups, which may involve emotional turmoil and jealousy.

  2. Family Conflicts: There are scenes depicting familial tensions, including arguments and disagreements that can be intense and emotionally charged.

  3. Personal Struggles: Characters face personal challenges, such as dealing with failure, pressure to succeed, and the impact of their choices on their futures, which can evoke feelings of anxiety or sadness.

  4. Competitive Environment: The competitive nature of the culinary school can lead to stress and rivalry among students, sometimes resulting in confrontational situations.

  5. Mature Themes: The show occasionally touches on themes of betrayal, ambition at any cost, and the darker sides of pursuing one's dreams, which may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Overall, while "Ici tout commence" is not overtly graphic or violent, it does contain emotional and relational complexities that may require parental guidance for younger viewers.