19-year old Barbara Morel, Miss Provence, was crowned the very first
“Miss Nationale” at a gala held in Paris on Sunday, December 5th. She was crowned by Elodie Gossuin, Miss France 2001.
The 1st runner-up was Miss Artois, while the 2nd runner-up was Miss Loire Forez. Paris, Normandie, Bretagne and Languedoc placed 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th, respectively.
The contest entrance had a cost of 150 Euro, and it was broadcasted through BFMTV. 25 women were selected as finalists in the pageant, but only 7 competed in the gala.
Miss Nationale was set up by former Miss France director Geneviève de Fontenay, who resigned from the older pageant earlier this year amid ongoing disputes with its owner, reality TV production house Endemol.
While not televised, website Dailymotion carried the proceedings online, while de Fontenay’s reputation ensured that there was plenty of press coverage throughout the process.
The Miss Nationale branding was always closely tied to de Fontenay, who has become well known in France for her strong views on morality and for her trademark millinery—she is nicknamed la dame au chapeau.
Beauty queen 1.75 m, Barbara is expected to represent France at the
Miss International 2011 beauty pageant in Chengdu, China, in November.
Related Beauty Pageant
*
France Beauty Pageants*
Road to Miss International 2011* Miss International Hall of Fame (
Past Winners )
* Miss International 2010 (
Miss Venezuela, Elizabeth Mosquera /
Contestants )
*
ALBUM of Elizabeth Mosquera Miss Venezuela and Miss International 2010*
Miss International 2010 Candidates
