The funeral of Brigitte Bardot, a global star of French cinema and an animal rights activist, are taking place this Wednesday in the town of Saint-Tropez, on the French Riviera, where she lived for more than 50 years after her retirement from film. The coffin of "BB", who died on December 28 at the age of 91 in her home in La Madrague, has arrived.
A ceremony faithful to the star's last wishes
The religious ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM at the Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption church in Saint-Tropez, in an area reserved for those invited by the family and the Brigitte Bardot Foundation. The church's limited capacity explains this decision, as it can accommodate approximately 350 people. To allow the public to follow the mass, several large screens have been set up on the port, Place des Lices, and Place de la Mairie.
The desire for a ceremony “simple and unfussy”, as she had expressed it before her passing, guides the organization of the funeral, which is intended to be respectful of her personality and commitments.
Singer Mireille Mathieu will participate in the tribute, as will Vincent Niclo.
The procession will allow the public to pay tribute to BB
The funeral procession will travel through Saint-Tropez, allowing residents and admirers to pay their final respects to Brigitte Bardot. It will pass through symbolic locations in the town, where large crowds are expected throughout the morning. A book of condolences has been placed at the town hall for those who wish to express their written tribute.
After the religious ceremony, the burial will take place in strict privacy. at the marine cemetery of Saint-Tropez, which offers a view of the Mediterranean Sea. Brigitte Bardot will join her parents and her first husband, the director Roger Vadim, in this place that she was particularly fond of.
Personalities in attendance
Among the guests are figures close to or influential in Brigitte Bardot's life. The leader of the deputies of the National Rally, Marine Le Penwill attend the ceremony in a personal and friendly capacity, expressing his admiration for the former actress. However, Emmanuel MacronThe President of the Republic will not be present, as the family did not respond to a proposal for a national tribute.
Other expected figures include Max Guazzini, secretary general of the Bardot Foundation, as well as Paul Watson, a long-time animal rights activist, and Chico Bouchikhi, co-founder of the Gipsy Kings. These relatives and friends will help to highlight Bardot's commitments, both in cinema and in animal rights.
