Miss France 2025 will be broadcast on December 14, hosted by Jean-Pierre Foucault, featuring an all-female jury. Contestant Manon Le Maou, a 28-year-old former gendarmerie officer, shares her inspiring journey after a life-altering accident motivated her to enter the pageant. Embracing the opportunity to connect with fellow contestants and express her individuality through fashion, she aims to advocate for animal welfare. As the event nears, she feels excitement and readiness for the experience.
Miss France 2025: A Night to Remember
This Saturday, December 14, the highly anticipated Miss France 2025 election will be aired on TF1, featuring the esteemed Jean-Pierre Foucault as the host. In a refreshing twist, the jury will consist entirely of women. Ève Gilles will pass her crown to a new Miss after a remarkable year of reign. The event will showcase a dazzling display of talent and beauty from 30 regional titleholders, all set to grace the stage at the Arena Futuroscope in the Vienne region.
Manon Le Maou: A Journey of Resilience
Among the contestants is Manon Le Maou, the reigning Miss Franche-Comté 2024. At 28 years old, Manon has dedicated eight years of her life to serving as a non-commissioned officer in the gendarmerie, a career inspired by her father’s footsteps. However, her journey took a dramatic turn following a serious accident while on duty, which nearly cost her life. This life-changing experience motivated her to pursue her dream of competing in the Miss France pageant.
Reflecting on her decision to join the competition, Manon shares, “I have always watched Miss France with my family. It was a tradition. Although I had thoughts of participating, my commitment to the gendarmerie took precedence. When the age limit was lifted, I felt it was a sign. The accident was a wake-up call, reminding me that life is fleeting, and I decided to take the plunge.”
When revealing her intentions to her colleagues, Manon said, “No one was surprised; my fellow officers already called me ‘The Miss.’ They’ve shown tremendous support, and many who had never watched the pageant before are excited to tune in this year.”
Manon expressed her surprise when learning that the preparation trip for the contestants would occur in Côte d’Ivoire. “It was thrilling to explore a new country, something I likely wouldn’t have done otherwise. This experience has been refreshing and different from past years.”
As she prepared for the competition, Manon initially had reservations about working alongside 29 other women, having mostly been in a male-dominated environment. However, she found camaraderie and enrichment through shared experiences, stating, “We all get along well, and it’s fascinating to learn from each other’s diverse backgrounds.”
Regarding the newfound freedom in choosing outfits as a Miss, she remarked, “At first, I appreciated the uniformity as it promoted equality. But being able to express myself through fashion has been liberating and allows me to showcase my individuality.”
With a passion for animal welfare, Manon aims to use her platform to advocate for this cause. “My job allows me to assist animals in distress through legal avenues, and I have volunteered with several animal protection organizations, making this cause very close to my heart.”
As the event approaches, Manon is filled with excitement rather than apprehension. “I’m really looking forward to the evening. I’ve heard it goes by in a flash! My only concern is slipping on stage, but overall, I’m ready for this intense experience!”