The story begins with the narrator, an archaeologist from Paris, visiting the village of Ille to study local ruins.
He stays with Mr de Peyrehorade, an enthusiastic collector of antiquities, who recently discovered a life-sized antique roman statue of Venus buried on his property. During this discovery, a gardener, Jean Coll, was hurt. The statue is strikingly beautiful but because of the unfortunate accident villagers believe she has evil powers.
During his stay, the narrator learns that Mr de Peyrehorade’s son, Alphonse, is about to get married to a wealthy woman, Miss de Puygarrig. The groom’s family invites the narrator to partake in the wedding ceremony. The narrator sees that Alphonse doesn’t really love his future bride, but only cares about the financial gain.
On the day of his wedding, Alphonse plays a game of Paume against Spanish muleteers. During the game, the ring on his finger is bothering him, so he places it on the Venus statue’s finger. He eventually triumphs, winning the admiration of the villagers. However, in his hurry to leave for his wedding, he forgets the ring on the statue’s finger.
Alphonse de Peyrehorade, during his wedding, tells the narrator about his wedding ring being stuck on the Venus statue’s finger, suggesting a supernatural force.
The narrator is doubtful at first. He agrees to investigate but hesitates, unsure if Alphonse is just drunk or telling the truth. He finally decides to ignore Alphonse’s demand, telling himself it can wait until the next day, and goes to sleep.
The narrator falls asleep and is woken up by the heavy steps going up, and then down the stairs. He suspects drunk Alphonse, but in the morning, he hears screams and doors opening.
In the newlyweds’ room, he sees Alphonse dead on the bed, his family standing around his body, and the bride sitting on the couch, panicked.
The narrator investigates the groom’s mysterious death, suspecting murder.
Once the law officer arrives, he starts the interrogation. After hearing Madame Alphonse’s testimony, the officer says she must have gone mad. She says that while in bed, she felt a heavy, cold presence which she later saw was the Venus statue killing her husband. Then, the statue left, leaving Alphonse dead and Madame Alphonse in shock.
Other people also give their testimonies, but the mystery of Alphonse de Peyrehorade’s death remains unsolved.
The narrator leaves the town after the funeral of Alphonse. He later learns that Mr de Peyrehorade died a few months after his son. The Venus statue was melted down to make a church bell, like the wife of Mr de Peyrehorade wanted. Yet it still brings misfortune, as the vineyards in Ille have frozen twice since it was installed.
