One terrible day, Madeleine's friend Madame Pamplemousse mysteriously disappears. For her own safety Madeleine is guided to a remarkable cafe owned by Monsieur Moutarde - who has made the most astonishing discovery. He has invented a time-machine, cunningly disguised as an espresso-coffee maker... Madeleine must race through time and assist Madame Pamplemousse in her task to capture the drool from a terrifying Tyrannosaurus rex and a tear from the cruel Sphinx - vital ingredients for a tonic that will revive the ailing spirit of Paris!