It is in a hotel in the ninth arrondissement of Paris that we meet Lucile Lecellier. Elected Miss Normandy 2024 last June, the 27-year-old young woman must take part in the photo shoot for the official portraits of the Miss France 2025 adventure. On this occasion, she meets all the other candidates and devotes a few minutes of his now very busy schedule to Tele-Leisureofficial partner of the election, for an interview. A graduate of special education training, the contender for the crown who measures 1.74 m has already presented once for the regional title. She tells.
“I told myself it was a sign“: Why Lucile Lecellier (Miss Normandy 2024) can thank the end of age criteria in the Miss France competition
Tele-Leisure : You have already participated in Miss Normandy in 2021 where you finished first runner-up. What do you remember from this experience?
Lucile Lecellier : Three years ago, I was not at all in the same dynamic. I didn't have confidence in myself, I didn't know anything about the world of misses. I really went there to discover this world which attracted me but which I did not know. I learned that I could do beautiful things, even with little self-confidence. I came first runner-up and my parents were so happy. It's the best place I could have had. It allowed me to gain confidence in myself.
Why did you try your luck again?
In 2021, there were still the age criteria and I was 24 years old so I had gotten used to the idea that it was going to be my first experience and the last. And in fact, the following year, they removed the criteria. I told myself it was a sign! I told myself I was going to finish my studies. This year, my sisters told me that it was time, that I was going to graduate and then go into working life so it would be less easy afterwards. I got started and I'm all in!
It is thanks to the removal of age criteria that you can participate…
I find it crazy. I told myself that I would live my whole life with regrets if I didn't do it. Even if I hadn't been elected, at least I would have given everything until the end. When I see the result, I am very happy.
What is the main difference between your two participations?
I wanted this first place this year. In 2021, I had not planned to go to Miss France. I think if my first name had been called at the end, I would have been so surprised that I would have panicked. I hadn't prepared myself mentally at all.. There, I had in mind the fact that I wanted to be elected, just as there was a possibility that it would not be me. I could only do this if I was prepared to not be elected and face this disappointment, and if I was prepared to give everything if I was elected. I was prepared for both possibilities.
“I hit reality in the face“: Lucile Lecellier (Miss Normandy 2024) talks about her job as a specialized educator
You obtained your special education diploma last July. Why did you choose this path?
I always wanted to work in the social sector. I was doing odd jobs here and there, for example as a cashier, it was impossible for me to sell the most expensive thing to people. I was always very empathetic so people slapped me on the back! I did a STAPS degree because I didn't know what I was going to do with my life and I loved sport. I did an internship in a medical-educational institute with children with disabilities and I loved what I did. I wanted to be with them every day, not just during sports sessions. I left myself a year to gain professional experience, I worked in a home with foster children. I told myself that I wanted to become a special education teacher, I had the feeling of serving a purpose. I love transmission and it’s a real vocation.
You defend the fight against domestic and intra-family violence. You work with foster children, so is this a reality that you see on a daily basis?
Totally. I worked in homes for several years, and sometimes I didn't know their life story. I just knew they were placed because there was danger at home. I also worked in shelters which welcome women who are victims of domestic violence. I was hit hard by the reality of some people's lives. I feel legitimate to talk about it through the journeys that these women were able to share with me.
Do you have brothers and sisters? Are you supported by your family?
My family is all in. I have three sisters and two brothers, they are all in. They were all there for my election as Miss Normandy. My big sister Clarisse loves miss competitions, she is the one who initiated my registration. She lives it vicariously and she is truly my coach. It's a bit of my reference. They live the experience with me. Beyond Miss France, I am still Miss Normandy and it is a real source of pride for my family, especially my grandparents.
“I protect myself“: Lucile Lecellier (Miss Normandy 2024) talks about the negative comments she may receive during Miss France 2025
Which stage of the preparation and election do you fear the most?
The official portraits are very decisive, I want to do things well and be proud of this photo. I know everyone is going to see it everywhere. It's not a pressure but I want to be proud to show it. With the media coverage, I know that people are not always very tender so I prepared myself mentally for it.
How do we prepare for it?
I'm getting used to the idea that there will be criticism. I saw a lot of things go by. Overall, it's very benevolent but there are some negative comments and we still see them. If I look for them, I find them so there's no point in looking for them. I also protect myself from that. Those close to me tell me that I deserve my title, no one has ever come to see me in person to tell me otherwise. So the opinion of the people behind the screens is very easy.
Overall, are you confident about the next steps and the election in December?
I think I'm confident, yes. I was really dreading this first day, I was wondering how things were going to go with the girls but I see that we are all the same, that we were also dreading this moment and we get along really well. It helps me feel confident. We'll see what happens, I think I have to have confidence in myself because otherwise, how can I convince people to vote for me?
Did you have the opportunity to speak to other misses before the official portrait shoot?
I met some of them at the Miss Nord-Pas-de-Calais pageant. We didn't have time to get to know each other because people were too happy to take photos with us, to see regional misses. There, we take the time to do it.
If you are elected Miss France on December 14, who will you have your first thought for?
My parents and my family in general. A title turns your whole life upside down, I come from a very modest family in the countryside, we are not at all in the world of glitter, and that alone would be incredible.
