It’s impossible to divorce Brigitte Bardot from the town of Saint Tropez. This actress and singer left her mark on the French film industry, the once small village of Saint Tropez and beyond. Lovingly referred to as BB, Brigitte became an icon in French culture and also contributed decades of her life to animal welfare. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite spots and activities in Saint Tropez in honor of BB. We’re sharing more about this French star’s legacy as well as our Brigitte Bardot-inspired guide to Saint Tropez.
Brigitte Bardot-Inspired Guide to Saint Tropez
Brigitte Bardot Biography and Legacy
Brigitte was born in Paris in 1934. Gracing the cover of Elle at age 15, Brigitte knew the limelight at a young age, per Biography. She was married four times and had one child.
During her several decades-long career, she starred in nearly 50 films and created even more songs, according to Saint Tropez Tourisme. One of her biggest titles is undoubtedly Et Dieu Créa La Femme (And God Created Woman), which takes place in Saint Tropez. She also starred in films created by famed directors Jean-Luc Godard and Henri-Georges Clouzot.
In 1973, she retired from her on-screen career and shifted her time toward animal rights, per Britannica. She founded the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, an animal rights organization created in the 1980s. In 2023, a biographical mini-series on Bardot was released on Netflix, per Vogue.
Brigitte Bardot and Saint Tropez
For the town of Saint Tropez, there was before and after BB. Before And God Created Woman was filmed in 1955, Saint Tropez was a “then unknown Provençal village;” but Bardot’s “allure was so powerful she put the sleepy town on the jet-set map,” says Sahar Khan in a Vogue article.
In 1958, Brigitte purchased her home “La Madrague” along the water in Saint Tropez, per BFMTV. Her beloved abode even inspired her song of the same name and continues to be her residence to this day, per France 3.
Before Brigitte, the brioche pastry sandwiching a layer of cream sprinkled with sugar already existed. But during filming Et Dieu Créa la Femme in the 1950s, Brigitte discovered this unnamed pastry crafted by Alexandre Micka, according to La Tarte Tropézienne. It was love at first sight for BB’s sweet tooth, and she named it “la tarte tropézienne” and became its godmother, per the bakery’s site.
You might also be interested in our article Your Luxury Itinerary for Ramatuelle, France.
Brigitte-Inspired Activities in Saint Tropez
If you’re longing to explore sunny Saint Tropez on the French Riviera from the eyes of BB, look no further. From tasting a mouthwatering tarte tropézienne to sipping on a Brigitte-inspired cocktail, we’ve rounded up our favorite Brigitte Bardot-inspired activities for your time in Saint Tropez.
Nosh on a Tropézienne at a Market Tour
Interested in trying out the pastry that Brigitte Bardot also fell in love with during filming? Indulge in this culinary tour of the Gulf of Saint Tropez where you’ll be able to taste BB’s favorite pastry as well as rosé wine, cheese, olives and nougat. Foodies will not be disappointed during this private market tour as they discover the best this region has to offer on the table.
Saint Tropez Guided Walking Tour
Curious about the Saint Tropez of both today and yesterday? Explore the town by foot with a knowledgeable guide who will share Brigitte Bardot anecdotes and the history of this glamorous town. Be sure to stop by the golden statue made in her image in downtown Saint Tropez. You can also stop at the Musée de l’Annonciade, a local art museum along the port.
Sip on a Signature Cocktail at La Ponche’s Bar
After a full day’s exploration of Saint Tropez or lying out at Pampelonne Beach, head to La Ponche’s bar for a BB-inspired cocktail. Order the “Tu Veux ou Tu Veux Pas” cocktail, a tequila-based drink with watermelon, red bell pepper and yuzu juice with its name inspired by one of her songs.
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Dine at Club 55
While filming Et Dieu Créa la Femme, Brigitte and the cast dined at Club 55, per St. Tropez House. And during your visit, you too can enjoy lunch at this beach club. Nosh on local, fresh ingredients as you take in the views of Pampelonne Beach.
Dance the Night Away at les Caves du Roy
Some buy flowers; for others, it’s chocolate. But for Lebanese businessman Prosper Gay-Para, he built the hotel Byblos and its night club les Caves du Roy in hopes to woo Brigitte Bardot as the rumor goes, according to a GQ article. He might’ve struck out with BB, but you can still enjoy an evening at les Caves du Roy and experience the best of Saint Tropez’s nightlife.
Experience Saint Tropez by Yacht
If you’re longing for a luxurious experience for your trip to Saint Tropez, look no further than a private yacht tour. You’ll soak up the sun and take in the sweeping views of the Bay of Saint Tropez. Kick back and indulge in the relaxed pace of life in southern France on the water.
Gulf of Saint Tropez Wine Tour
Not only is the region of Saint Tropez rich with cuisine and culture but it also boasts an exquisite wine scene. On your private tour organized by French Side Travel, you’ll visit two different wine estates in the area — all in style in the seats of a 2CV vintage car. Sip on some of the region’s best rosé and marvel at the lush scenery.
Where to Stay in Saint Tropez
Hôtel Byblos
Nestled in the heart of Saint Tropez, this five-star palace boasts 87 colorfully decorated, luxurious rooms. Book a table Restaurant Cucina featuring famed chef Alain Ducasse. If you’d rather have a beach view during your meal, you can head to Byblos Beach in Ramatuelle. Later you can dance the evening away at its night club, les Caves du Roy.
La Ponche
Located in the center of Saint Tropez, this five-star hotel is just steps away from where Brigitte Bardot filmed in And God Created Woman. These 24 rooms and apartments boast Riviera charm and luxe. Unwind with a class with the hotel’s yoga club with sea views.
Ready to explore the seaside town of Saint Tropez like Brigitte Bardot? At French Side Travel, we’re ready to help you plan your trip to Saint Tropez and beyond. You might also be interested in: A Luxury Escape to the Highlights of French Riviera or French Riviera Highlights.