In a moving display of affection and respect, hundreds of people gathered in the picturesque French Riviera town of Saint-Tropez on Wednesday to celebrate the extraordinary life of Brigitte Bardot, who passed away peacefully at age 91 on December 28th at her cherished seaside home.

The touching farewell perfectly captured the dual legacy of a woman who captivated the world as a 1960s screen siren before dedicating more than five decades to what she considered her true calling: protecting animals. President Emmanuel Macron beautifully summarized the national sentiment, saying France was "mourning a legend."

As the funeral procession wound through Saint-Tropez's charming narrow streets, residents and admirers lined the route, applauding warmly to honor the woman who had made their town famous worldwide. The heartfelt service at Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Catholic Church began with the stirring notes of Maria Callas' "Ave Maria," attended by Bardot's devoted husband Bernard d'Ormale, her son, grandchildren, and representatives from the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the protection of animals.

In a testament to how deeply she touched people's lives, the small coastal town set up large screens at the port and two plazas so everyone could participate in the farewell. The community turnout demonstrated the profound connection Bardot maintained with Saint-Tropez, the place she lovingly called her refuge for more than half a century.

What makes Bardot's story truly inspiring is her remarkable transformation. At just 39 years old, at the absolute height of her international fame, she made the courageous decision to walk away from filmmaking to pursue something more meaningful. Her 1973 retirement from an illustrious career spanning more than two dozen films marked not an ending, but a new beginning.

She emerged as a passionate animal rights activist, channeling her celebrity and resources into founding a foundation devoted to protecting animals. "I don't care about my past glory," she told The Associated Press on her 73rd birthday in 2007. "That means nothing in the face of an animal that suffers, since it has no power, no words to defend itself." Her husband noted that she remained "conscious and concerned about the fate of animals until the very end."

Her tireless advocacy earned deep respect from her fellow citizens, culminating in 1985 when she received the Legion of Honor, France's highest recognition. This honor acknowledged not her film career, but her dedication to making the world more compassionate.

The town hall eloquently expressed what many felt: "Brigitte Bardot will forever be associated with Saint-Tropez, of which she was the most dazzling ambassador. Through her presence, personality and aura, she marked the history of our town."

Bardot's final resting place overlooks the Mediterranean Sea in the marine cemetery, alongside her parents and other cultural figures, including Roger Vadim, her first husband who directed her breakout film "And God Created Woman."

Her life reminds us that true legacy isn't measured by fame alone, but by how we use our gifts to help others—even those who cannot speak for themselves.