Garance Authié has been selected to represent France at Miss Universe 2026, marking a new chapter for the country at the international beauty pageant. The 22-year-old French fashion model will compete in the 75th edition of the competition, scheduled for November 24 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Her selection comes after the Miss France organization withdrew from the 2026 competition in May, citing concerns surrounding the previous edition. A new committee, Miss Universe France, subsequently took responsibility for choosing France’s representative.
Who Is Garance Authié?
Born in Paris, Garance Authié is an international fashion model who began her modeling career at the age of nine. Alongside her work in fashion, she has pursued higher education in business and management.
According to her official Miss Universe France profile, Authié is 22 years old and represents the Île-de-France region. Her interests extend beyond modeling and include classical dance, horseback riding and piano.
She has also expressed an interest in women’s empowerment, particularly encouraging young women to explore different career paths and pursue their ambitions.
The Miss Universe France organization highlighted her independence, authenticity and ambition when announcing her selection.
Garance Authié’s Education and Modeling Career
Authié has combined her modeling career with academic studies in business and management. Her education includes management studies in London, complementing her professional experience in the fashion industry.
Starting her modeling journey at a young age gave her early exposure to the world of fashion and entertainment. Her international experience and multilingual abilities are also part of her background as she prepares to represent France on the global stage.
Her selection offers an opportunity to introduce her professional journey and personal interests to a wider international audience.
Why Is France’s Miss Universe 2026 Entry Controversial?
France’s participation in Miss Universe 2026 became uncertain in May when the Miss France organization announced that it would no longer send a contestant to the international competition.
The decision followed controversies surrounding the 2025 edition, including concerns about the event’s organization and allegations of misconduct. The withdrawal marked a significant change after decades of participation under the Miss France banner.
The Miss Universe Organization responded by establishing a new French selection structure under its oversight. This allowed France to maintain a representative in the 2026 competition despite the breakdown in the previous partnership.
Authié was ultimately selected by the new Miss Universe France committee after being considered alongside other finalists, including Lilou Emeline-Artuso and Mareva Michel Del Toro.
Garance Authié Prepares for Miss Universe 2026
Authié will represent France at a landmark edition of Miss Universe, which is celebrating its 75th year. The competition will take place on November 24, 2026, at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan.
As she prepares for the international stage, her background in modeling, education and advocacy will form part of her public profile. Her selection also represents a fresh start for France’s participation following the organizational changes earlier this year.
With the final approaching, attention will turn to how Authié presents herself during the competition and whether she can bring another Miss Universe title to France.
Final Thoughts
Garance Authié’s selection brings France back into the spotlight at Miss Universe 2026 under a new national selection committee. With experience in modeling and a background in management, she will represent her country at the international competition in Puerto Rico this November.