Brigitte Bardot, who turned 90 in September, is a living symbol of the French Riviera – whether as a young starlet lounging seaside in stripes, or now as one of the region’s longest established residents. However, bébé was a Parisienne first.
Brigitte was born on 28 September 1934 in Passy, in Paris’ 16th arrondissement, to wealthy bourgeois parents who were strict Catholics.
Studying ballet from the age of 13 for three years at the Paris Conservatory, Brigitte developed the poise and gait that would soon fascinate the world. At 15, she graced the cover of Elle magazine. It was immediately clear that she depicted the epitome of grace and style: she was demure, she was Catholic, she was all curves, and yet her body was toned and strong.
She began acting in 1952 and her profile quickly grew. She truly arrived in 1957, aged 23, with the film And God Created Woman, which captured her exploding sensuality. The film, the directorial debut of her then husband, Roger Vadim, was banned in many parts of the USA – and was consequently an even greater box office hit in Europe.
Based on her beauty, sensuality and style, Brigitte has fascinated at least two generations. She has been passionate and outspoken about social and animal rights causes and has been an inspiration to many women.
At the height of her career, she stepped back from the limelight, detesting being mobbed by fans when she did her shopping in her adopted St Tropez. Typical of her authenticity, Brigitte was drawn to the famous Riviera town because her parents had owned a home there since her childhood.
Brigitte purchased an adjoining farmhouse there in 1958 and still lives there today, as a virtual recluse.