Brigitte Bardot's La Madrague Saint-Tropez: the most iconic private villa in the Var region
Welcome to Saint-Tropez, the legendary port of the Var region where glamour meets Provençal authenticity. While the corsair city is world-renowned for its fine sandy beaches and festive atmosphere, it is also inextricably linked to a timeless icon: Brigitte Bardot. In the heart of the peninsula, a legendary property perfectly encapsulates the entire love affair between the star and this Var village: Madrague. A true haven of peace, purchased in the 60s, this exclusive residence remains the most iconic private villa in the region. Discover the secrets of this legendary retreat and the most beautiful treasures to explore around the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.
Who was Brigitte Bardot? A look back at the past of an icon
In reality, is it even necessary to introduce her? As one of the most famous French artists in the world, Brigitte Bardot or "BB" had an intense career as an actress and singer before dedicating herself body and soul to the defense of animal rights.
Born on September 28, 1934, in Paris and died on December 28, 2025, in Saint-Tropez, she came from a bourgeois family: her father, Louis Bardot, was a wealthy French industrialist, while her mother, Anne-Marie Mucel, was a homemaker before becoming a milliner. Brigitte began classical dance at the age of seven. She then entered the Paris Conservatory in 1949, the same year she appeared on the cover of a magazine. ELLE.
Encouraged by her grandfather, she embarked on a career in cinema and quickly achieved worldwide success with Roger Vadim's film entitled And God… created woman. In the aftermath, she married the director when she was only 18. The main exterior scenes of the film were shot in Saint-Tropez, and it was from this point that an unbreakable bond was forged between the actress and the Var town. The film's success was such that the Gendarmerie and Cinema Museum of Saint-Tropez even decided to pay tribute to her. A gilded statue of Brigitte Bardot was also erected in 2017 in Place Blanqui. Standing 2,5 meters tall, the colossal sculpture weighs up to 700 kg.
La Madrague Saint-Tropez: a refuge for the French star
In the 1960s, the actress expressed a desire to find a peaceful haven "by the water" where she could finally escape the media frenzy surrounding her. While filming in Spain, she was contacted by her parents, who had found her dream home. Her mother, insistent, told her to come as soon as possible to the small fishing village to visit the property. It was love at first sight: BB purchased the villa near Canoubiers beach for the modest sum of 24 million old francs, or nearly €582,000. To protect her privacy from the paparazzi, the artist had an entire wall built around the property, extending right to the water's edge, creating a small private beach.
La Madrague was the site of the most lavish parties in Saint-Tropez and regularly made headlines at the time. From Jean-Paul Belmondo to Alain Delon and Serge Gainsbourg, many men and friends frequented it. This property was so dear to Brigitte Bardot's heart that she decided to write a song about it in 1963, the lyrics of which became a household name. "On the deserted beach, seashells and crustaceans, who would have thought it, lament the loss of summer, which has since departed."
Can we visit La Madrague in Saint-Tropez?
Located on the Route des Canoubiers, La Madrague is one of the most unmissable spots during tourist walks in Saint-Tropez. It must be said that the villa is the source of some sensational anecdotes, such as the one in 1966 when Gunter Sachs had a shower of rose petals dropped from a helicopter onto the property to declare his love for Brigitte Bardot.
Since La Madrague is a private residence, it is not possible to visit the interior. The best way to discover it is to take a guided boat tour. Several companies organize cruises in Saint-Tropez that take you along the coast and past the villas of famous people.
By land, you can also reach the Canoubiers district. However, you will only be able to see the gate and the high walls of the property. It should be noted that in 1992, Brigitte Bardot bequeathed La Madrague to her foundation for animal protection. In her last will and testament, she wished to be buried in her garden, but ultimately, she now rests in the Saint-Tropez cemetery next to her parents.
What other iconic places are there to discover in Saint-Tropez?
Apart from La Madrague, Saint-Tropez also has many unmissable places that are well worth a visit.
The Citadel of Saint-Tropez
A 17th-century maritime fortress, the Citadel of Saint-Tropez was built to protect the town from enemy attacks. Its keep houses a Maritime History Museum that allows visitors to relive the great voyages to Cape Horn, fishing and coastal shipping, and the daily lives of sailors.
The Port of Saint-Tropez
The beating heart of the city, the Port of Saint-Tropez is the ideal place to appreciate the glamorous, maritime atmosphere of this Var city. Admire the ochre facades and stroll along the quays to see luxury yachts alongside traditional fishing boats.
The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption
Located in the heart of the village of Saint-Tropez, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is a Baroque-inspired building founded in the 18th century. It is known for its bell tower topped with a wrought-iron campanile and its Louis XV-style main façade. The church has been listed as a Historical Monument since 1981.
Château de la Moutte and its garden
From the top of the Saint-Tropez peninsula, the Château de la Moutte is an old Provençal country house that once belonged to Emile Ollivier, the last head of government of Napoleon III. Nestled in the heart of a preserved 4-hectare park, it is open to visitors for all those interested in the natural and cultural heritage of Saint-Tropez.
La Madrague remains the eternal symbol of Saint-Tropez chic and freedom. This iconic villa on the peninsula reminds every visitor why the whole world has fallen in love with this small, historic fishing port.
To discover Saint-Tropez and explore its most prestigious sites with complete peace of mind, the road connecting the rest of the Riviera to the peninsula can be particularly congested during peak season. Simplify your exceptional travels: use the services of Eden Cab. Our private chauffeurs will transport you in the absolute comfort of our luxury sedans or vans.
