As Geneviève struggles with her decision, Guy learns that his mother has been killed in a car accident and decides to stay in Cherbourg to take care of his grieving aunt. Geneviève, knowing she cannot wait for him forever, ultimately chooses to marry the diamond merchant, Roland Cassard, despite her lingering feelings for Guy.
Guy is heartbroken and throws himself into his work at the garage, eventually finding solace in the company of a young co-worker named Madeleine. Meanwhile, Geneviève struggles with the reality of her loveless marriage and the responsibilities of being a mother to her young daughter, Françoise.
Years later, both Guy and Geneviève cross paths again at a gas station in Cherbourg, where they share a bittersweet reunion. Despite their lingering feelings for each other, they ultimately decide to part ways, each with their own separate lives and responsibilities.
The film ends with Geneviève watching Guy drive away, as she reflects on the choices she made and the life she now leads, while the iconic theme music plays in the background, underscoring the sadness and nostalgia of their lost love.