Brigitte Bardot's Iconic Beach Photographs Through the Decades
A collection of 18 iconic photographs traces Brigitte Bardot's enduring association with the beach, from her 1953 Cannes debut to her later years at La Madrague. In May 1953, during the Cannes Film Festival, a 19-year-old Bardot walked Carlton Beach in a floral swimsuit, catching the attention of actor Kirk Douglas. This moment launched her into the spotlight and began her lifelong love affair with the French Riviera. The images span two decades, showing Bardot on Mediterranean beaches, Lake Geneva, the Costa del Sol, and in Saint-Tropez with figures like Gunter Sachs, Eddie Barclay, and Luigi Rizzi. Her 1963 song "La Madrague" forever linked her to Saint-Tropez. The photographs capture her as both sultry and mischievous, from the 1950s through the 1980s.
Key facts
- Brigitte Bardot walked Carlton Beach in a floral swimsuit in May 1953 during the Cannes Film Festival.
- Kirk Douglas played with Bardot's auburn locks on the beach.
- Bardot's 1963 song 'La Madrague' is associated with Saint-Tropez.
- The photographs span from 1950 to 1984.
- Locations include Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Lake Geneva, and Costa del Sol.
- Bardot is pictured with Gunter Sachs, Eddie Barclay, Luigi Rizzi, Bob Zaguri, and Annie Girardot.
- The collection includes a still from Guy Casaril's 1970 film Les Novices.
- Bardot's beach photos show her as sultry and mischievous.
Entities
Artists
- Brigitte Bardot
- Kirk Douglas
- Gunter Sachs
- Eddie Barclay
- Luigi Rizzi
- Bob Zaguri
- Annie Girardot
- Guy Casaril
Institutions
- Cannes Film Festival
- Vogue
Locations
- Saint-Tropez
- Cannes
- Carlton Beach
- Route des Canebiers
- French Riviera
- Mediterranean
- Lake Geneva
- Costa del Sol
- La Madrague
- France
- Switzerland
- Spain