The countdown to Miss France 2025 has begun, with excitement building as the big night approaches on December 14, 2025. This year's ceremony, held at the Palais des Congrès de Dijon, promises to showcase the grace and talent of thirty regional contestants vying for the prestigious title. Among them, Mégane Bertaud, the reigning Miss Provence 2024, stands out not only for her beauty but also for her compelling personal story.
Mégane, 24, is described as passionate and determined. A fervent horse rider, literature enthusiast, and dancer, she is known for her vibrant personality and is eager to represent her region on this celebrated platform. But what's particularly fascinating is her relationship with Mathieu Franceschi, a talented rally driver who also hails from Provence. Their love story, initiated under tragic circumstances, has captured the hearts of their followers.
"Un souvenir particulièrement marquant pour moi est celui de la rencontre avec mon partenaire. Il y a plus de sept ans, il a perdu son meilleur ami, qui était aussi une de mes connaissances… depuis, nous ne nous sommes jamais quittés," Mégane revealed to Paris Match, shedding light on the emotional beginnings of their relationship during difficult times.
Mathieu, who has achieved notable success as a rally pilot—including winning all stages of the French Terra Rally Championship—has been nothing but supportive of Mégane's ambitions. He often shares their moments on social media, encouraging followers to support Mégane for the Miss France crown, saying, "Vous m’avez soutenu pendant des années, et aujourd’hui, J’ai besoin de votre soutien pour ma Mégane Bertaud chérie!"
This year's edition of Miss France is especially noteworthy as it features contestants representing various regions of France, showcasing the nation's diverse beauty. Setting the stage for the competition, the thirty contestants include the youngest at 18 and the oldest at 34, reflecting the changing dynamics of beauty pageants. Each regional representative brings her unique charm and story, contributing to the depth of the competition.
A few notable candidates include Isabella Hébert from Alsace, Laura Marque from Aquitaine, and Giada Benazech from Languedoc. The complete list of regional representatives is as follows: Miss Alsace: Isabella Hébert, 20; Miss Aquitaine: Laura Marque, 25; Miss Alvernia: Romane Agostinho, 27. The list continues with beautiful women like Miss Normandy, Lucile Lecellier, 26, and Miss Provence, Mégane Bertaud, 24, showcasing the diversity and unity of the French regions.
According to predictions from Avisia, the intelligence consulting firm, Miss Guadeloupe, Moïra André, is currently listed as the frontrunner for the Miss France 2025 title, scoring 68% on their analytics. The excitement surrounding this prediction only adds to the suspense of the upcoming event.
Not only is this competition pivotal for the participants, but it also serves as a cultural celebration, echoing the timeless tradition where women embody the values and beauty of their respective regions. Interspersed with glamour and artistry, this year’s pageant is poised to impress, especially with artistic contributions from local talents. Christiane Silvestre, for example, is set to be recognized during this ceremony. The revered nacre sculptor from Saint-Saturnin-lès-Avignon has made significant contributions to the event, adorning the contestants with unique jewelry pieces through her workshop Dawa Création since 2021.
This year, Zaya Toumbou, representing Miss Mayotte, will sport handcrafted accessories made by Silvestre, highlighting not only regional pride but also the artistry local women contribute to this national stage.
While the crown of Miss France has eluded Vaucluse so far, several women from this region, including Aurélie Pons and Lou Ruat, have shined on the Miss Provence stage. Their participation opens up paths for future generations and reflects the cultural significance of such celebrations where beauty, talent, and community spirit converge.
With all eyes on the event, Saturday promises to be memorable where not just the winner will be acknowledged but also the shared histories and communal pride reverberated through the contestants' stories. Mégane’s vibrant personality and her relationship with Mathieu will surely bring added narratives for viewers to connect with.