Angélique Angarni-Filopon, the first contestant over 30 to be crowned Miss France, made history on December 14, 2024, during the electrifying televised ceremony held at the Futuroscope in Poitiers. At 34, she not only shattered age barriers but also represented Martinique with pride, marking the island's first win in this prestigious beauty pageant.
"C'est un honneur de me tenir devant vous. Quand j'ai gagné le concours Miss Martinique, j'ai dit aux Martiniquais qu'on allait le faire ensemble. Et on l'a fait ensemble ! Merci !" Angélique expressed tearfully as she received her crown, echoing the sentiments of countless women who have felt pressured by societal norms to conform to age expectations.
Her victory was not just about winning; it reflected the continuing modernization of the Miss France contest. Recent rules have expanded eligibility, allowing candidates who are married, those who have children, and even transgender women to compete. The most significant change was the lifting of the age limit, which previously capped participants at 24. This year alone, twelve contestants over the age of 24 joined the competition. Angélique had previously participated at age 20, where she finished as first runner-up for Miss Martinique.
"À 34 ans, j’ai une autre vision de la vie et je souhaite être une femme inspirante à grande échelle. Je prouve qu’il n’y a pas de date de péremption pour les femmes qui rêvent de devenir Miss France," she stated, emphasizing her desire to empower other women to chase their dreams regardless of age.
Despite her triumph, Angélique faces challenges on the international stage. The Miss Monde competition maintains strict age limits, permitting only contestants aged 18 to 27. This means Angélique is ineligible to compete, automatically paving the way for her first runner-up, Sabah Aïb, to potentially represent France. Sabah, only 18, commented, "Je n’étais pas au courant de cette limite d’âge. Dans tous les cas, si elle n’y va pas et qu’elle est d’accord, je tenterai ma chance." This resolution pursues the continuity of representation for France at Miss Monde.
On the other hand, Angélique is eligible to participate in Miss Univers, where the age restrictions have been relaxed, and older contestants can shine. Expressing anticipation about her reign, she noted, "J'ai hâte de revenir partager ma couronne avec vous!" Her mission, she explains, will focus greatly on raising awareness about women's health issues, particularly breast cancer, supported by her personal experience with her mother's battle against the disease.
Angélique’s story is one of resilience and ambition. She grew up in Vauréal, Val-d’Oise, and followed her dreams from her roots in Martinique, all the way to the stage of Miss France. She plans to devote her time not only to advocacy but also to embody the spirit of transformation within the pageant, promoting inclusivity and diversity.
Throughout the competition, judges and viewers noted her confidence and poise. Angélique's presence captivated the audience, bringing both humor and sincerity to her presentation. "Je pense que Miss France plaît autant aux Français parce qu'en chacune d’entre nous ici présente, je suis certaine que chaque personne pourra se reconnaître," she reflected, reinforcing the connection the public feels with the personalities presented on stage.
Her achievement is not just personal; it resonates with many women who may think it’s too late to achieve their dreams. Angélique’s ascent to victory sends out a powerful message about the potential for growth and recognition at any stage of life.
Moving forward, she's set to transition from her native Martinique to Paris, where her reign will manifest both as a figurehead and as an active advocate. The benefits of her new role include not only her title and opportunities for travel but also practical rewards such as residence—she will move to a fully furnished apartment located near the Arc de Triomphe, funded by the Miss France committee.
With each new opportunity, she expressed, half-jokingly, how she feels about her new responsibilities because of her previous profession as a flight attendant, where public speaking was part of her routine: "Quand on fait les démonstrations de sécurité, on a 372 yeux rivés sur nous." Her professional background is destined to equip her for the spotlight following her historic win.
Angélique Angarni-Filopon stands as more than just Miss France 2025—she is symbol of change and progress, inspiring women everywhere to embrace their own journeys without the constraints of age or societal norms. The Miss France competition not only celebrates beauty but now also emphasizes empowerment and representation, welcoming diversity in all its forms. Her reign promises to be as impactful as it is groundbreaking, leaving behind shadows of the past and paving the way for future generations of contestants.