Breaking Boundaries: Vanessa Douillet at 41 Takes on Miss France 2026

In a world where beauty pageants have long been synonymous with youth, Vanessa Douillet, a 41-year-old hypnotherapist and mother of three, is rewriting the rules. With the Miss France organization abolishing age limits in 2022, Vanessa has stepped into the spotlight, proving that elegance, ambition, and confidence know no age.

Vanessa, who stands tall at 1.83 meters, has entered the first stage of the Miss France competition, vying for the title of Miss Châtillon Pays de Dombes in her home region of Ain. The regional election, set for April 4, 2025, will see her compete against fourteen other candidates, many of whom are decades younger. But for Vanessa, this isn’t just about beauty—it’s about breaking barriers and embracing life’s unexpected opportunities.

“It’s a crazy challenge,” she confessed to Le Parisien, laughing as she described sharing the stage with women the same age as her daughters. “But why not? Beauty isn’t confined to a number. It’s about how you carry yourself, your spirit, and your determination.”

Her husband, David Douillet, the legendary former judoka and Olympic champion, is her biggest cheerleader. “He’s 200% behind me,” Vanessa shared. “When I told him about this, he immediately said, ‘Go for it, and count on me!’” The couple, who met in 2014, have always been a team, whether it’s raising their three children or competing together on the TV game show Les Traîtres in 2022. David even had Vanessa by his side when he participated in Danse avec les Stars, showcasing their unwavering support for one another.

For Vanessa, this journey is about more than just a crown. It’s a statement—a testament to the idea that women can pursue their dreams at any stage of life. “I’m doing this for myself, but also to show my daughters and other women that it’s never too late to chase what sets your soul on fire,” she said.

If she wins the regional title, Vanessa will advance to the Miss Rhône-Alpes competition, with the ultimate goal of reaching the national Miss France stage in 2026. Her participation has already sparked conversations about age, beauty standards, and the evolving definition of what it means to be a queen.

As Vanessa prepares for the competition, she’s not just practicing her walk or perfecting her answers—she’s embracing the journey with humor, grace, and a touch of hypnotherapist wisdom. “Life is full of surprises,” she said. “Sometimes, you just have to close your eyes, take a deep breath, and leap.”