Angélique Angarni-Filopon Makes History as Oldest Miss France Winner at 34
Angélique Angarni-Filopon, a 34-year-old flight attendant from Martinique, has made history by becoming the oldest winner of the Miss France pageant, following a rule change that widened eligibility criteria. The event, held in Poitiers on Saturday, marked a significant shift for the long-running competition, which previously excluded women over 24.
The victory comes after the competition, which dates back to 1920, updated its rules in 2022 to allow participation by women over 24, as well as married women and mothers. Speaking after her win, Angarni-Filopon said she was proud to represent “Martinique, its diaspora, and all the women who were once told that it was too late.”
Reflecting on her journey, she admitted she hadn’t expected to claim the crown. “At each regional election, I thought the other contestants were so beautiful, I saw victory slipping away,” she told Le Parisien.
Her triumph was widely celebrated, with footage of her crowning moment shared on her Instagram page, alongside interviews and iconic Parisian shots—one showing her in a gold gown on a metro train and near the Eiffel Tower.
The final, which was broadcast live on TF1, featured 30 contestants from diverse professional backgrounds, including doctors and dentists. The women showcased regional costumes, ballgowns, and swimsuits, performing to musical styles ranging from salsa to country and even classical Mozart renditions.
As Miss France 2025, Angarni-Filopon is set to receive up to €60,000 (£50,000) over the course of the year, along with an apartment in Paris near the Arc de Triomphe and gifts from sponsors.
Her win comes during a period of evolution for beauty pageants worldwide. Just days before the Miss France final, organisers of the Miss Netherlands pageant announced its cancellation after 35 years, citing a shift toward highlighting women’s achievements and addressing societal pressures around beauty standards.
Angarni-Filopon’s crowning not only highlights her personal triumph but also reflects the changing face of beauty competitions, where inclusivity and evolving ideals are increasingly taking centre stage.
