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Although historians say the Portuguese discovered Búzios in the 16th century, one could argue it was discovered by French “explorer” Brigitte Bardot in 1964. Armação de Búzios (its official name) was an isolated fishing village when Bardot fled there to avoid the paparazzi in Rio de Janeiro. Her visit sparked tourism development that transformed the town into the St. Tropez of South America. Still popular today, exclusive Búzios plays host to expatriates from around the world and the rich and famous of Brazil.
Beaches and parties take up the bulk of one's time in the star-studded playground "discovered" by Brigitte Bardot.
