Saint-Tropez Bids Farewell to Icon Brigitte Bardot: Funeral Honors Film Legend and Animal Advocate

The funeral of Brigitte Bardot took place today, a somber occasion marking the final journey of a French film icon. This significant Brigitte Bardot funeral was held in her beloved Saint-Tropez on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. A private service commenced at 11 a.m. GMT at the Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption church. Hundreds gathered to pay their respects, with many following the poignant events on large screens erected at the port and town squares. Bardot’s passing on December 28, 2025, at the age of 91, followed a battle with cancer. Her husband, Bernard d’Ormale, confirmed that she had undergone two cancer surgeries and died peacefully at her villa, La Madrague. The news of her Brigitte Bardot funeral sent ripples through the community.

Brigitte Bardot Funeral: A Star’s Final Resting Place

The Brigitte Bardot funeral ceremony was attended by her devoted family, including her husband and grandchildren, alongside carefully selected guests invited by the family. Representatives from the Brigitte Bardot Foundation were also present. The service was profoundly touched by Maria Callas’s rendition of “Ave Maria.” Following the solemn church service, a private burial took place at the marine cemetery, offering a serene vista overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. This cherished resting place is where Bardot’s parents and her first husband, filmmaker Roger Vadim, are also interred, a testament to her deep roots and the cemetery’s significance for cultural figures. The arrangements for the Brigitte Bardot funeral ensured a dignified farewell.

Saint-Tropez’s Beloved Ambassador and the Brigitte Bardot Funeral

Brigitte Bardot shared an unbreakable bond with Saint-Tropez, her home for over fifty years, which she considered her sanctuary. Her very presence was instrumental in transforming the once-quiet fishing village into the glamorous destination it is today. Her starring role in “And God Created Woman” not only catapulted her to international fame but also indelibly placed Saint-Tropez on the global map. Officials noted that she was its most radiant ambassador, her unique personality and aura deeply woven into the fabric of Saint-Tropez history. Residents and admirers lined the town’s narrow streets to applaud the funeral procession, a touching tribute to their local legend. The Brigitte Bardot funeral was a town-wide event.

From Screen Siren to Animal Rights Activist: A Public Reflection

Brigitte Bardot, an international film icon, captivated the world as a top sex symbol throughout the 1950s and 60s. Her illustrious career graced the silver screen in over two dozen films. At the age of 39, she made the pivotal decision to retire from acting in 1973, dedicating the remainder of her life to the fervent cause of animal rights. She established the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, a cornerstone of animal protection efforts, where she became a formidable advocate against animal cruelty, championing causes against the fur trade and foie gras production. Her transition from screen siren to dedicated animal rights activist exemplified her complex and evolving persona, a journey many reflect upon following her Brigitte Bardot funeral.

A Complex Legacy and the Significance of the Brigitte Bardot Funeral

Brigitte Bardot was a symbol of French liberation and sensuality, earning the title of the world’s most photographed woman at her peak. However, her later years were marked by controversy, stemming from outspoken and sometimes inflammatory statements that led to legal challenges. Her life was a compelling tapestry of glamour and passionate activism, defined by a formidable personality. She famously expressed a preference for animals over people, a sentiment her husband confirmed she held dear until her final moments. He recounted her last words to him as “Pioupiou,” a tender endearment. The world reflects on this multifaceted legacy following the Brigitte Bardot funeral.

A Public Homage and Final Journey of a French Film Icon

A public homage was held at a nearby venue, offering fans a final opportunity to pay their respects. The townspeople were advised to wear black, a color symbolizing Bardot’s profound mourning for animals. Notably, President Emmanuel Macron was not invited to the service, a decision reportedly stemming from Bardot’s past critiques of political figures. Marine Le Pen, however, confirmed her attendance at the Brigitte Bardot funeral. This event marks the solemn conclusion of an era, celebrating a true legend of entertainment. Her profound impact on cinema and her tireless work for animal welfare are indelible, forever intertwining her memory with the enduring spirit of Saint-Tropez.