The picturesque coastal town of Saint-Tropez is preparing to say goodbye to one of its most famous residents, as French cinema icon Brigitte Bardot will be laid to rest on Wednesday in a ceremony that beautifully reflects the life she chose to live.

The intimate funeral service at Notre-Dame de l'Assomption church, followed by burial at a seaside cemetery, will honor Bardot's wish for simplicity and authenticity. True to her character, the 91-year-old star specifically requested a "no frills" event surrounded by those who genuinely knew and loved her.

"The ceremony will reflect who she was, with the people who knew and loved her. There will no doubt be some surprises, but it will be simple, just as Brigitte wanted," said Bruno Jacquelin, spokesman for the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, the animal welfare organization that became her life's passion.

In a touching gesture that speaks to her enduring connection with fans, the funeral will be broadcast on public screens throughout Saint-Tropez, allowing admirers to pay their respects to a woman who transformed cinema and culture in the 1960s.

Bardot's journey from international sex symbol to passionate animal rights advocate represents a remarkable transformation. After retiring from film in the early 1970s at the height of her fame, she retreated to Saint-Tropez and dedicated the second half of her life to protecting animals. Her foundation has saved countless creatures and raised awareness about animal welfare issues worldwide.

The star of "And God Created Woman" passed away peacefully on December 28 at her Saint-Tropez home, the sanctuary she had created for herself and the animals she loved. She leaves behind her fourth husband, Bernard d'Ormale, and her son Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, 65, who lives in Oslo.

Her sister Mijanou, 87, who also had a film career, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook: "My Brigitte, the one I loved more than anything... now knows the greatest of mysteries. She also knows whether our beloved pets are waiting for us on the other side. My God, please let that be the case so she doesn't feel alone, but is with them."

This touching tribute captures the depth of Bardot's love for animals, a passion that defined her post-Hollywood years and created a lasting legacy through her foundation's ongoing work.

Cinema historians universally acknowledge Bardot's revolutionary impact on film and culture. She embodied the sexual revolution of the 1960s through her fearless performances and unconventional persona, breaking barriers and inspiring countless artists who followed.

As Saint-Tropez prepares to honor its most famous daughter, the focus remains on celebrating a life fully lived on her own terms. From captivating audiences worldwide with her magnetic screen presence to championing voiceless animals with unwavering dedication, Bardot's multifaceted legacy continues to inspire conversation and reflection.

The seaside ceremony will provide a fitting farewell for a woman who found her truest home along the Mediterranean coast, surrounded by the beauty and tranquility she cherished in her later years.