Brigitte Bardot’s Grave at Saint-Tropez Cemetery Draws Tourist Crowds

Rising Tourist Crowds at Saint-Tropez Marine Cemetery

The site has seen a surge in foot traffic, with a constant stream of admirers and tourists from across the globe arriving to pay their respects. According to cemetery staff, the flow of visitors begins early in the day, regardless of weather conditions. This influx of fans has resulted in the grave being frequently covered with flowers, photographs, letters, and stuffed animals. In some instances, the volume of these tributes has expanded to encroach upon neighboring gravesites.

Impact on Local Residents

The increased activity has caused friction with local Tropéziens who frequent the cemetery to visit their own deceased loved ones. Residents have expressed concerns that the high volume of tourists is compromising the serenity and accessibility of the 11,150-square-meter grounds.

The cemetery is invaded by people who prevent us from being comfortable when we go to see our dead, maintain their graves, and reflect, a local resident named Christine told France 3 Régions. It is quite annoying for the Tropéziens.

The marine cemetery, which also serves as the final resting place for other notable figures such as Pierre Bachelet, Eddie Barclay, and director Roger Vadim, is currently experiencing what some observers describe as surtourisme—or over-tourism—during the peak summer season.

The Final Resting Place: A Settled Decision

While Brigitte Bardot was famously associated with her seaside home, La Madrague, she ultimately abandoned earlier plans to be buried there. In a 2018 interview with Le Monde, the actress had expressed a desire to be buried at her home to avoid the crowds at the local cemetery, though the Var prefecture reportedly never received a formal request for burial at the residence.

Her widower, Bernard d’Ormale, later confirmed that the couple decided against a private burial at La Madrague due to logistical concerns. Brigitte had the idea of being buried with her animals, at La Madrague. But a few years ago, she realized that it would not be manageable for the town hall, d’Ormale explained to Paris Match following her death. He noted that they concluded that managing tourist processions along the narrow coastal path would be impossible, leading the actress to accept the decision to join her parents in the town’s marine cemetery. We didn't talk about it anymore, it was settled, he stated.

La Madrague and the Foundation

Following her passing, the management of La Madrague has transitioned to the Closermag, an organization dedicated to animal welfare. Because the property is owned by the foundation rather than her widower, d’Ormale has vacated the villa to avoid potential conflicts of interest, relocating to a studio in Saint-Tropez.

While the foundation is currently conducting electrical and safety upgrades at the property, d’Ormale has stated that he is forbidding any immediate commercial exploitation of the site, noting that future plans for public access remain unconfirmed.