The opera tells the story of idealized love at a distance.
Libretto by French writer of Lebanese origin Amin Maalouf in French based on the medieval legend about the life of the 12th-century Aquitaine troubadour Geoffrey Rudel.

Characters
- Jofre Rudel Prince of Blaye troubadour baritone;
- Clemence Countess of Tripoli soprano;
- A pilgrim traveling by sea and conveying news between lovers mezzo-soprano.

Acts I-III Joffrey Rudel dreams of a distant lover. The Pilgrim informs him that such a woman existsClémence of Tripoli. At the same time the Pilgrim tells Clémence of a troubadour prince who sings of her in his songs. Both heroes are consumed by doubts and dreams of an unattainable ideal.
Act IV Jaufré decides to cross the sea to meet Clemence. During the journey he falls into a painful depression and becomes gravely ill.
Act V The ship arrives in Tripoli. Joffrey dies in Clémence`s arms immediately after their first and last meeting. The shocked Countess decides to enter a convent. The opera ends with her prayer the words of which are ambiguous it is unclear whether it is addressed to God or to her `distant love.`