The world of cinema and animal rights mourns as final arrangements are announced for French film legend Brigitte Bardot. The iconic actress, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 91, will be laid to rest in the picturesque French Riviera resort she called home.
Final Farewell in Saint-Tropez
Local authorities in Saint-Tropez confirmed on Monday that Bardot's funeral ceremony will be held at the Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption church. The service is scheduled for January 7 at 1000 GMT. Following the ceremony, her burial will take place in a cemetery located by the sea, honoring her deep connection to the Mediterranean coast.
While the burial itself will be a strictly private affair for family and close friends, the municipality has planned a special tribute for the public. This event will be open to local residents and fans from around the world and will be held at the Pre des Pecheurs area in the historic La Ponche quarter. This area represents the old heart of the former fishing village, a place Bardot cherished.
A Life of Solace and Advocacy
Bardot, who became a global symbol of 1950s and 1960s France, made Saint-Tropez her sanctuary. She famously stated she found peace there among animals, and she dedicated the latter part of her life entirely to their welfare. For decades, she lived a relatively secluded life behind high walls on her estate, surrounded by a beloved menagerie of cats, dogs, and horses.
In a 2024 interview with French weekly Paris Match, Bardot had expressed her wish to be buried in her own garden. However, the Var Prefecture informed Reuters that it had not received any formal request for such a private burial, which would have been legally necessary. Therefore, the planned seaside cemetery burial will proceed.
Personal Memories and National Tribute
The news of her passing has elicited heartfelt responses from those who knew her and from the highest levels of French leadership. Longtime Saint-Tropez resident Philippe Volmier, who knew Bardot for 30 years, shared warm memories with Reuters. "She was lovely, lovely, there's no other word. Yes, we will really miss her," he said, recalling how he used to see her walking her dogs on the beach and even once helped her out of the water after a fall with her pet.
French President Emmanuel Macron paid a moving tribute on Sunday, stating that Bardot embodied "a life of freedom." He added, "A French existence, a universal radiance. She moved us. We mourn a legend of the century." This sentiment captures the profound impact Bardot had both as a cinematic icon and a fierce advocate for her causes.
As the date for her final journey approaches, the world prepares to say goodbye to a woman who was much more than a beautiful face—she was a force of nature who lived passionately on her own terms, leaving an indelible mark on film and animal activism.
