The French film icon and style legend, Brigitte Bardot, was laid to rest today in a poignant ceremony in Saint-Tropez, as her grieving husband revealed for the first time that she died following a battle with cancer. The actress, who passed away in December at the age of 91, was honoured by fans lining the streets of the Riviera town.
Final Journey of a Screen Legend
Ahead of the private religious service, a funeral procession wound its way through the streets of Saint-Tropez, allowing members of the public to pay their final respects. The local authorities facilitated the occasion by installing large screens at key locations, including the Port, Place de la Mairie, and Place des Lices, to broadcast the 11am local time (10am UK time) service live.
The star's burial took place later at the Marine Cemetery, an intimate ceremony closed to the public. Floral tributes had already begun to accumulate outside the Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church in anticipation of the day's solemn events.
Husband Reveals Private Health Battle
In a heartfelt disclosure to Paris Match magazine just before the funeral, Bardot's husband, Bernard d'Ormale, shared the details of her final illness. He confirmed that the actress and animal rights campaigner had undergone two surgical procedures for cancer.
"She had tolerated very well the two procedures she underwent to treat the cancer that took her," Bernard stated, providing clarity to her many admirers about her cause of death last month.
Mourners Gather to Say Adieu
The streets of Saint-Tropez saw a gathering of well-wishers, friends, and notable figures from French public life. Among those photographed arriving to pay their respects were environmental activist Paul Watson, singer Francois Bernheim, and Marine Le Pen, President of the French far-right Rassemblement National party.
The scene underscored Bardot's enduring status as a national treasure, whose influence stretched far beyond the silver screen to fashion, culture, and activism. The collective mourning marked the end of an era for a woman who defined a generation's idea of beauty and rebellion.
