Indira Ampiot, an 18-year-old communications student, was crowned Miss France 2023 on Saturday night, bringing to a close a pageant that aimed to modernise its image by expanding eligibility standards.
Miss Guadeloupe Ampiot said she was living “a waking dream” after receiving the silver and blue tiara from beauty queen Diane Leyre.
During the competition, Ampiot advocated for cancer patients and encouraged France to win the World Cup, finishing her address with “Allez les Bleus!”
This year’s tournament has less qualifying conditions, which previously limited entry to women without children aged 18 to 24 and standing at least 1.70 metres (5.6 feet) tall.
Any woman over the age of 18, regardless of height or child-bearing status, can now enter. For the first time, visible tattoos were permitted.
According to Alexia Laroche-Joubert, president of the Miss France organisation, transgender women with female civil status documents were also allowed to compete. (AFP)