Lucile Lecellier, the newly crowned Miss Normandie 2024, is preparing to represent her region at the Miss France 2025 competition to be held on December 14, 2024, at the Futuroscope in Poitiers. At just 26 years old, Lecellier, who hails from Sainte-Cécile, is passionate about using her platform to raise awareness on important social issues, particularly those related to children's rights.
Having participated twice before, Lecellier made her debut at the Miss Normandie pageant in 2021, where she proudly finished as first runner-up. "I had never walked in heels or applied makeup before," she reflected, recounting her initial experience. The recent removal of the age limit provided her with the opportunity to compete again, and she seized the moment with determination and newfound confidence.
Training as a specialized educator, Lecellier recently graduated from the regional school of social work (IRTS) and has devoted her career to working with children and adolescents placed away from their homes. Her experience plays a pivotal role in her approach during the pageant, bringing authenticity and purpose to her candidacy.
Leading up to the big night, Lecellier has been engaging with her community throughout the Manche department, attending various local events, including the Foire de Lessay, where she connected with residents and shared her vision for the future. Amidst her busy schedule, she also trained physically with boxers from Saint-Lô, showcasing her commitment to being at her best for the competition.
On the night of the competition, Lecellier is set to capture hearts with her costume inspired by Mont-Saint-Michel, which has been carefully crafted to represent the historic site close to her home. "I am so proud to wear it; I tried it on, and it’s just incredible," she expressed, excited about the regional representation. During her preparations, she also addressed the long-standing question around the cultural ownership of Mont-Saint-Michel, bringing humor to the topic as she smiled, "I think all Normans will be very happy to see this costume, and it will also end the debate on whether it belongs to Normands or Bretons.”
Her participation extends beyond mere pageantry; Lecellier aims to leverage her visibility to shed light on pressing issues such as violence against children. "I've worked several years with placed children; I realized how important it is to fight against domestic violence," she stated, conveying her dedication to advocacy.
The support from her hometown is evident, as the local festivities have gone all out for the event. Residents of Sainte-Cécile are eagerly counting down to the competition day, with plans for a massive celebration set to include live streaming of the event, delicious couscous, and lively music with DJ sets to keep spirits high. This backing is integral for Lecellier as she ventures to shine on this national platform.
Despite her fierce determination, Lecellier had to overcome some last-minute hurdles before her candidacy. With just seconds to spare, she submitted her application to the committee, after narrowly avoiding technical difficulties with her computer. "My computer crashed right when I was about to send my application!" she detailed, underlining the twists and turns of her path to becoming Miss Normandie. Fortunately, with prompt communication to the committee, she confirmed her participation.
With the public and jury votes playing equally significant roles, the weight of the moment sits heavily as she walks on stage alongside her fellow contestants. The audience eagerly awaits the magic of the night, where there is palpable excitement about who will be crowned as the next Miss France.
For Lecellier, this experience is about more than just the title – it’s about taking every opportunity to advocate for those who need it most. Whether she wins the crown or not, her message is clear: she is proud to represent the Normandie region, focusing on connection, integrity, and the essence of community spirit. "Chers normands, je vais continuer à croquer la vie à pleines dents," she boldly affirmed, committing to live life to its fullest as she embarks on this incredible chapter of her life.
The 2025 Miss France crown will bring not only prestige but new responsibilities; and as Lucile Lecellier gets ready to take the stage, the eyes of Normandie and beyond will surely shine upon her.
