Elected Miss Languedoc 2024 last August, the young Narbonnaise, 18 years old, is preparing to join her 29 opponents for a month of preparation before the big evening on December 14.
Nineteen years already since a Miss Languedoc last brought back the Miss France crown to the region. The last one was Alexandra Rosenfeld, whose lilting Béziers accent seduced the jury in 2006.
This asset, Jade Benazech, 18 years old, who will represent Languedoc during the Miss France evening on December 14 at Futuroscope, is also taking it in her luggage which she is preparing to pack to go to Paris, then the Côte d’ Ivory in the company of her 29 opponents. “I can hardly hide this accent, I’ve had it since I was little”she laughs. A true girl from the south, our regional miss elected last August in Beaucaire a few days after winning the title of Miss Aude? “Completely. I grew up in the region, I love the sea, the beach… and especially rugby. I have been on the pitch since I was little.”
From rugby to handball
At the time, she encouraged her father, Stéphane Benazech, a former professional player who played for the clubs of Narbonne, Perpignan, Agen, Grenoble and Montpellier, before ending his career in Fédérale 1 in Nîmes. Jade, who until the age of 15 grew up in Saint-Brès, not far from Montpellier, however opted for handball. After starting in Lansargues, she played for Montpellier, Narbonne and today Toulouse – where she is studying nursing -, in Nationale 2. A good level. “But I’m taking a break for Miss France. During my last match, against Narbonne, I had my eye gouged out. It was red, full of blood. My father told me ‘And if you break your nose, what do we do?’ The ultimate argument…”
This story, in full makeup before a photo shoot, reveals several personality traits of the young woman: sporty, competitive, a strong character, a sense of humor… “The joy of living, empathy and a natural side,” adds Jade. She admits, evening dresses, makeup, she’s not used to it. “I’m more of a jean-sneaker type, or even shorts. My friends are very surprised to see my photos on Instagram since my election”she smiled.
A revenge
But two years ago, while she was having a drink in Palavas with a friend, a representative of the Miss France committee approached her and assured her that she would have every chance. “I was 16, I was too young. A year later, she called me back”.
A first runner-up sash from Miss Aude last year convinced her to really take part in the game. Now launched into the Miss France adventure, the young Languedoc woman has every intention of going as far as possible, armed with his physical assets: his 1m82 height, his magnificent hazel eyes and his long brown hair. “Above all, it represents revenge for me. When I was little, I was the victim of harassment. Suffice to say that at the time, even if I watched the competition, I never imagined myself going on that stage”she said this time more seriously.
Future nurse
This could also be one of the subjects that she hopes to highlight with the competition and especially throughout the year if, fortunately, the jury and the public crown her. “I would also strive to combat the isolation of the elderly. We have so much to learn from our elders and yet, many are alone today, without family”regrets the young Audoise. And these are not just words prepared for a beauty contest. Jade Benazech is moving towards a medical career. “My parents always told me that this would be my path, as I have always cared about others. I would like to become a nurse in the operating room, but first, once I have my diploma, I would like to devote myself to orphaned children in abroad then to the elderly”.
These patients will perhaps be treated by a Miss France. A true southern girl with such a lilting and warm accent.
One month of preparation for the competition
Thursday, November 14, Jade Benazech will travel to Paris where she will meet the 29 other regional misses. They will all fly off for a ten-day stay in Ivory Coast, where they will carry out visits and preparation work. Return to France at the end of November for the home stretch, fifteen days of training in Poitiers before the Miss France evening, December 14 on TF1. Jade will also take advantage of this month to make herself known to the public called to decide the finalists on election night.
