Annabel grew up between Paris and the south of France.

Gifted with multiple talents, Annabel engaged in various pursuits, including drama, singing, and writing.

Annabel became an iconic figure of the golden age of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and formed friendships with Françoise Sagan, Juliette Gréco, and other artists and intellectuals.

In 1958, Annabel married Bernard Buffet and became his muse.

In 1959, Annabel Buffet published her first novel, Comme tout le monde (Like Everyone Else). Six more novels would follow throughout the 1960s.

The album Aquarelle (Watercolor), released in 1969, marked the beginning of Annabel's active career in music.

Annabel performed at the Olympia in 1970.

Annabel and Bernard went through a difficult period in the early 1980s. In 1986, Annabel published D’amour et d’eau fraîche (Living on Love Alone), where she honestly recounts the alcoholism that affected both of them, as well as their recovery.

Afterwards, Annabel returned to writing, publishing two new novels between 1987 and 1990.

Annabel enjoyed the relaxed Provence lifestyle and spending time with her husband, children, and grand-children. 

In October 1999, Annabel's life was turned upside down when Bernard ended his life. This loss reopened old wounds, because Annabel had already had to deal with the suicides of both her parents.

In 2001, Annabel published Post-scriptum, in which she shares how she navigates her grief while seeking to find new meaning in life.

Annabel passed away on 3 August 2005 in Paris.