Brigitte Bardot & Saint-Tropez : authenticity at heart

It is impossible to mention Saint-Tropez without thinking of Brigitte Bardot — she is now forever associated with the village. Even without having known her personally, her presence is everywhere. She shaped the image of Saint-Tropez, drew the world’s attention to it, and helped transform a simple Mediterranean fishing port into a symbol of freedom, sunshine, nature and the Provençal art of living.

While the connection between Brigitte Bardot and wine may not be obvious at first glance, it truly exists through places, landscapes and the soul of a territory we love to reveal through Beyond The Wine experiences.

A Story of Wine Estates

La Madrague: Between Sea, History and Vineyard

La Madrague is first and foremost Brigitte Bardot’s iconic home, nestled between the sea and unspoiled nature. A mythical and discreet place, reflecting her choice to retreat from the spotlight while remaining deeply connected to Saint-Tropez.

But the word madrague is also deeply rooted in Mediterranean history. It refers to an ancient fishing system made of nets, traditionally used for tuna fishing along the coast. Originally, a madrague was also a fishermen’s dwelling — a simple house facing the sea. This explains why many places called “La Madrague” can be found along the Mediterranean coastline.

This rich meaning is echoed today at Domaine de la Madrague, located in La Croix-Valmer. Preserved thanks to the commitment of local residents, the estate chose a name that reflects its strong attachment to the land and terroir. Surrounded by hills, vineyards and the Mediterranean Sea, it perfectly embodies the link between nature, heritage and Provençal identity. During our wine tours, this estate represents the harmony between landscape, tradition and wine.

Domaine BB: Initials That Spark the Imagination

Another amusing and often confusing reference is Domaine Bertaud Belieu, also known as “Domaine BB.” It has no direct connection to Brigitte Bardot — and yet, the initials inevitably bring her to mind.

This emblematic estate of the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, located in the village of Gassin, tells the story of local winemaking long before glamour and paparazzi arrived. Founded in the 15th century, it is a perfect example of how Saint-Tropez blends authenticity with iconic imagery — sometimes by coincidence, sometimes by sheer magic.

The “BB” Wine by the Ravoire Family: When an Icon Meets the Vineyard

More recently, the initials “BB” have taken on a more explicit meaning in the wine world with the BB – Brigitte Bardot cuvée, created by the Ravoire family. A bold yet elegant project, deeply rooted in the spirit of Provence.

This wine pays tribute to Brigitte Bardot not as a movie star, but as a free, committed woman inseparable from the South of France. Its clean design, clear message and visual identity evoke the Mediterranean, its light and its gentle way of life.

This cuvée perfectly illustrates what Provençal wines can express: a story of place, personality and emotion. It also reminds us that Saint-Tropez and its surroundings are not only a glamorous destination, but a living terroir capable of producing wines full of meaning and symbolism.

During our Beyond The Wine experiences, we enjoy sharing initiatives like this one, which demonstrate how wine can become a bridge between cultural heritage, iconic imagery and winemaking expertise. Because beyond tasting, every bottle tells a story — and some resonate immediately with the imagination of Saint-Tropez.

Places That Keep Her Presence Alive

A Statue, A Living Presence

On Place Blanqui, facing the Gendarmerie Museum, the statue of Brigitte Bardot — unveiled for her 83rd birthday — reminds us how inseparable she remains from Saint-Tropez. It is now part of the village’s identity, just like the port, the pointu boats or the lively terraces.

This spot often becomes a pause during our experiences, an opportunity to talk about cinema, local history, and the evolution of Saint-Tropez into an internationally renowned destination. A small anecdote: the statue was originally cast in bronze, but the sea air damaged it over time, leading to its restoration with gold leaf. The statue was donated in 2017 by Alexandre Millon, a native of Piney and auctioneer, and restored in 2021 by the Schaeffer workshop in Champagne.

The Sea, the Pointus and the Tropezian Landscapes

A rediscovered photograph of Brigitte Bardot aboard a pointu, the traditional Mediterranean fishing boat, strongly echoes one of our Beyond The Wine experiences: wine tasting cruises on a pointu along the Saint-Tropez coastline.

This gentle journey takes us as far as Les Granier, from where La Madrague can be seen in the distance. A timeless moment between sea and vineyards, reminding us that Saint-Tropez is, above all, a village deeply connected to the sea — from its port to its cemetery, where Brigitte Bardot rests alongside her parents, and to the small natural coves she loved so dearly. Everything she cherished unfolds before your eyes.

Brigitte Bardot and the 2CV: The True Luxury of the Past

Before luxury yachts, the 2CV was the most common means of transportation in Saint-Tropez in the 50’s and 60’s. Brigitte Bardot, like many at the time, drove through the roads of the Gulf with simplicity, often in her Renault 4L.

This spirit lives on today through our 2CV wine tours across the vineyards. A way of traveling differently — slowly, authentically — guided by landscapes, encounters and terroir, far from ostentation and close to what truly matters.

Beyond the Myth: An Invitation to Discover the Terroir

Brigitte Bardot helped make Saint-Tropez desirable, but it is its landscapes, vineyards, traditions and stories that make people want to stay.

At Beyond The Wine, we love sharing these invisible links between icons, places and vineyards. Because discovering Provence wines also means understanding the soul of the land where they are born.