Crowds Bid Final "Adieu" to Brigitte Bardot
SAINT-TROPEZ, FRANCE — In the French Riviera, the town of Saint-Tropez on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, crowds flocked to honor its most famous resident.
Bardot passed away on December 28, 2025, at the age of 91, at her secluded estate, La Madrague. Born as Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot on 28 September 1934 and died on 28 December 2025, she was often referred to by her initials B.B. Bardot was a French actress, singer, model, and animal rights activist. She withdrew from the entertainment industry in 1973, having appeared in 47 films, performed in several musicals, and recorded more than 60 songs. She was awarded the Legion of Honour in 1985. Born and raised in Paris, she began her acting career in 1952. She won a 1961 David di Donatello Best Foreign Actress Award for her work in The Truth (1960).(Wikipedia) Bardot was married four times and had one son Nicolas-Jacques Charrier. Please pray for the repose of her soul.
A Tribute from the Diocese
The religious significance of the farewell was underscored by Bishop François Touvet, the coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Fréjus-Toulon. Following her passing, the Bishop issued a poignant tribute, recognizing Bardot's complex legacy and her deep ties to the region.
"We learned with emotion of the passing of Brigitte Bardot, a striking figure of the Var department known throughout the world," Bishop Touvet stated. "She was an icon of French cinema and marked an entire era."
His tribute acknowledged her transition from the "sex symbol" of the 1950s to a "militant defender of the animal cause," a mission that defined her final five decades.
The Funeral Procession
The ceremony began as a white Mercedes hearse moved slowly through the narrow, stone-paved streets of Saint-Tropez.
Large screens were erected at the port and in local plazas for those unable to enter the church.
Bernard d’Ormale, her husband of over 30 years.
Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, her son, with whom she had a famously complex relationship.
Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, reflecting Bardot’s long-standing and often controversial political affiliations.
Paul Watson, the anti-whaling activist and founder of Sea Shepherd.
A Voice for the "Voiceless"
The Mass, which opened to the stirring notes of Maria Callas’ Ave Maria, was filled with references to Bardot's true passion: animals.
"All the animals she saved and she loved form a procession behind her," Guazzini told the mourners.
Return to Faith
In an French Interview released by the News site Aleteia Bardot spoke about her faith:
Interviewer: Why do you think respecting and protecting animals should be part of a Christian's life?
Bardot: God put animals on Earth to be respected, not eaten, hunted, or experimented on. Animals were created to be companions to humankind, not slaves or prey. When I go up to my chapel, sometimes my animals follow me. Since it's very small, only dogs can fit inside. If it were bigger, I wouldn't mind letting my donkey in, for example. I find animal blessings very beautiful.
Interviewer: You cite Saint Francis of Assisi as one of your spiritual role models. Why is that?
Bardot: He's a beacon of animal protection. I have a slightly less friendly relationship with Saint Francis than with "my little Virgin" (laughs). But I have great respect for him, and there's a statue of him in my chapel. I also admire Padre Pio. They are people I find particularly wonderful, sensitive, generous, and kind. The kind you don't see anymore.
Interviewer: In your opinion, has it become too rare for a public figure to bear witness to their faith?
Bardot: I carry my faith within me and I am proud of it. Furthermore, I am horrified to see all the outrages inflicted upon churches. It's sacrilege!
Return to Faith
In an French Interview released by the News site Aleteia Bardot spoke about her faith:
Interviewer: Why do you think respecting and protecting animals should be part of a Christian's life?
Bardot: God put animals on Earth to be respected, not eaten, hunted, or experimented on. Animals were created to be companions to humankind, not slaves or prey. When I go up to my chapel, sometimes my animals follow me. Since it's very small, only dogs can fit inside. If it were bigger, I wouldn't mind letting my donkey in, for example. I find animal blessings very beautiful.
Interviewer: You cite Saint Francis of Assisi as one of your spiritual role models. Why is that?
Bardot: He's a beacon of animal protection. I have a slightly less friendly relationship with Saint Francis than with "my little Virgin" (laughs). But I have great respect for him, and there's a statue of him in my chapel. I also admire Padre Pio. They are people I find particularly wonderful, sensitive, generous, and kind. The kind you don't see anymore.
Interviewer: In your opinion, has it become too rare for a public figure to bear witness to their faith?
Bardot: I carry my faith within me and I am proud of it. Furthermore, I am horrified to see all the outrages inflicted upon churches. It's sacrilege!
Final Resting Place
Despite her earlier expressed wish to be buried in the garden of La Madrague alongside her beloved pets—a request that faced complex French administrative barriers—Bardot was interred in the Cimetière Marin (Marine Cemetery).
The cemetery overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is the final resting place of her parents and her first husband, director Roger Vadim, who directed the film that launched her to superstardom, And God Created Woman.
In accordance with her final wishes, the burial was conducted in "the strictest privacy," away from the cameras that had followed her for nearly a century.
Sources: Agence France-Presse (AFP), Nice-Matin, Tribune Chrétienne, and the Diocese of Fréjus-Toulon.
Comments