The Fondation Brigitte Bardot has announced plans to preserve the legendary Saint-Tropez property La Madrague and potentially open the historic home to visitors following a comprehensive round of renovations. The initiative comes alongside an ongoing dispute regarding the departure of Bernard d’Ormale from the estate and the foundation’s leadership.
Max Guazzini, who was elected president of the Fondation Brigitte Bardot on September 16, confirmed in an interview with Le Parisien that the iconic villa will not be sold. Because the property is part of the foundation’s endowment, a sale was never a viable option. However, before any public access can be safely granted, substantial restoration work must take place across the home and its surrounding grounds.
Extensive Renovations Required Before Public Access
Speaking about the timeline and condition of the property, Max Guazzini emphasized the scale of the undertaking required to prepare the estate for visitors.
The house needs a lot of work, the garden and interior need to be restored, it will take time. – Max Guazzini, President of the Fondation Brigitte Bardot
The primary goal of the foundation is to maintain the property exactly as Brigitte Bardot left it, preserving its authentic atmosphere. Administrators intend to keep the rooms intact, featuring the late actress’s original furniture and personal trinkets. While a vision for public tours is in place, no specific opening date has yet been announced as restoration efforts get underway.
Resolving the Succession and Residence Dispute
The announcement regarding La Madrague’s future coincides with transitions in the foundation’s leadership and residency arrangements. Bernard d’Ormale, who spent roughly three decades living at the property alongside Brigitte Bardot, stepped down from his role at the head of the foundation and was required to vacate the premises.
Guazzini explained that the departure was aligned with formal legal provisions established by the late actress. Brigitte Bardot had executed a notarized act specifying that anyone residing in the home must depart within six months following her passing. , because the property now legally belongs to the foundation, leadership noted that a conflict of interest would arise if a board member continued to live there.
To assist with the transition, foundation representatives confirmed that alternative housing was secured for d’Ormale in central Saint-Tropez, near the Place des Lices. Despite the tensions surrounding the departure, the foundation remains focused on executing Bardot’s long-term wishes for both her animal welfare mission and the preservation of her celebrated coastal refuge.
Frequently Asked Questions About La Madrague and Fondation Brigitte Bardot
What is La Madrague?
La Madrague is the iconic, historic villa located in Saint-Tropez, France, purchased by actress and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot in 1958. It served as her primary sanctuary and home for decades.
Will La Madrague be opened to the general public?
Yes, the Fondation Brigitte Bardot plans to open the property to visitors after completing essential interior and garden restoration work to ensure the home remains intact with its original furnishings.
Who owns La Madrague now?
The property belongs to the Fondation Brigitte Bardot, having been integrated into the organization’s endowment structure to protect it from commercial sale or real estate speculation.
Why did Bernard d’Ormale leave the property?
In accordance with a notarized legal act signed by Brigitte Bardot before her passing, individuals residing in the home must vacate the premises within six months of her death. The foundation also cited potential conflicts of interest regarding property residency.
When will La Madrague open for tours?
No official opening date has been announced by the foundation, as extensive renovations to the interior and grounds must be completed first.
