Jane Birkin's funeral in Paris draws celebrities and crowds

Image source, EPA

By Robert GreenallBBC News

Thousands of fans lined the streets of central Paris to bid farewell to the Anglo star - Frenchwoman Jane Birkin.

The funeral was attended by many celebrities and was broadcast live to the crowd outside St. Roch Church.

People held up posters and wore T-shirts declaring their love for the star.

Although born in England, Birkin earned her status after roles and songs in hit films, while being the inspiration for the iconic Hermès Birkin designer bag.

She was known for her personal and artistic relationship with the French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg.

In 1969, Birkin recorded with him the emblematic song "Je T'aime... moi non plus", banned in several countries and condemned by the Vatican because of its overtly sexual lyrics.

A With her flared jeans, mini dresses and distinctive fringing, she also became a fashion icon in the 1970s.

< p class="ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00">She died last week at her home in the French capital at the age of 76.