Hinaupoko Devèze, Miss Tahiti, crowned Miss France 2026
Hinaupoko Devèze, Miss Tahiti, has been crowned Miss France 2026 during a ceremony held at the Zénith in Amiens, which was broadcast live on TF1. The 23-year-old psychology graduate was selected from 30 contestants through a combined vote of the jury and the public. She outperformed Miss New Caledonia, who was named first runner-up, and Miss Normandy, who was the second runner-up.
Hinaupoko Devèze succeeds Angélique Angarni-Filopon from Martinique, the Miss France 2025. The event lasted over three hours, traditionally followed by millions on TF1, and featured choreographed segments themed around travel, including Asia, Antiquity, the future, and 1930s Hollywood, hosted once again by Jean-Pierre Foucault, 78 years old.
The contestants paraded in evening gowns, swimsuits, and costumes, with the traditional regional showcase featuring the Republican Guard. One segment was dedicated to the speeches of the 12 semi-finalists.
"I am the product of a love story between Polynesia and the south of France. My childhood was equally influenced by the sound of cicadas and the melody of the ukulele," declared Hinaupoko Devèze.
When later asked about the most important values for her in France, she mentioned "liberty, equality, fraternity," as well as "respect."
The candidates from regional committees were judged 50/50 by TF1 viewers and the jury, chaired this year by actress Michèle Bernier, alongside lyric singer Axelle Saint-Cirel, journalist Bruce Toussaint, and influencer Sally.
Angélique Angarni-Filopon, 35, the oldest in the history of the competition, passed on her crown. A victim of cyberbullying due to her age and background, Miss France 2025 had briefly considered renouncing her title. The institution reported these "defamatory comments" to justice, stating they have no place in the competition or society.
This edition introduces a new support system: for the first time, Miss France will be assisted by a former winner, a mission entrusted to Camille Cerf, Miss France 2015.
"I am very honored to have been chosen to represent the French this year; it is an honor for me. The adrenaline hasn’t worn off; I’m still on cloud nine," said Miss France 2026 at the end of the contest during a press conference.
She also shared that mental health is an important cause for her: "It’s a topic I want to discuss because it concerns us all; we must destigmatize it; our fragility is part of who we are," she said.
The candidates of this 96th election showcased diverse profiles. The oldest, Miss Guadeloupe, Naomi Torrent, 30, is a financial analyst; Miss Poitou-Charentes, Agathe Michelet, is a dental surgeon; and Miss New Caledonia, Juliette Collet, 23, is a risk management engineer.
The youngest contestants, Miss Brittany, Ninon Crolas, a nursing student, and Miss Roussillon, Déborah Adelin-Chabal, a professional dancer and Spanish student, were both 18 years old.
Admission criteria have broadened in recent years: while the minimum height requirement remains (1.70m), the pageant is now open to all adult women without age limits, including those who are married or mothers.
Frédéric Gilbert, president of the Miss France organization, indicated that certain outdated expressions, such as "full of charm" or "French charm," are now prohibited. "We talk about elegance, assurance, not forced sensuality," he stated in Le Parisien.
Despite ongoing controversies and criticisms regarding its representation of women, the program continues to draw a large audience: in 2024, the show achieved a 45% audience share. "Being popular doesn’t mean being liked everywhere. There are controversies, but bad buzz is still buzz," observes media semiologist and analyst Virginie Spies.
According to her, the success is attributed to both the entertainment aspect and the historical grounding of the program, "a madeleine de Proust" embedded in "our television heritage." The show sparks conversations among family, friends, or on social media.