The Côte d’Azur can be proud of its representative. At 21 years old, Dimitri Châtelain, elected Mister Côte d’Azur in November 2025, made a mark during the final of Mister France 2026, on Saturday in Rueil-Malmaison, by securing the title of first runner-up, behind the candidate from Auvergne, who was crowned Mister France. A top-ranking position for this young Azuréen.
Before the podiums and spotlights, Dimitri Châtelain was destined for a completely different path. Holder of a scientific baccalaureate with high honors, he planned on becoming an engineer. A year in transition, then a decisive choice: that of the sea.
Originally from Mouans-Sartoux, near Grasse, he has worked for nearly two and a half years as a seasonal worker on boats, notably in Cannes, catering to a demanding clientele. The rest of the year, Dimitri dedicates himself to personal projects, always with that blue horizon as a backdrop.
An adventure born from an unexpected encounter
Nothing had predisposed Dimitri to participate in a beauty contest. It was in a gym, almost by chance, that a recruiter noticed him and suggested he try the adventure. “I found myself doing Mister France without really having imagined it,” he now says in hindsight. Though he had no prior connection with the world of contests, he was already drawn to the universe of imagery and the stage. During the regional election, it was a combination of qualities that made the difference: behavior, presence, ease on stage, but also adaptability. “I think I am quite versatile. Without being the best in speech, I feel comfortable on stage, and I am lucky to have good genetics and to be tall,” he analyzes with clarity.
For him, Mister France will remain a unique human experience. For ten days in isolation, Dimitri Châtelain shared the daily life of 26 other candidates from all over France. Naturally reserved, he recounts that “in the first days, it was a bit awkward, but we eventually created real bonds and even friendships.”
First runner-up: pride, emotion, and clarity
At the end of the final, emotions were running high. “Proud of my journey,” he cherishes this position of first runner-up, while acknowledging a slight disappointment at not having won the top title. A position that rewards his seriousness, commitment, and consistency throughout the adventure.
Committed, Dimitri Châtelain also took advantage of this visibility to highlight an international humanitarian NGO that helps the most underprivileged populations with mobile operating rooms. A family and personal commitment that he wishes to continue defending. He hopes to one day engage in fieldwork, particularly from a logistical standpoint.
Now, the young Azuréen considers what comes next with ambition, balancing between modeling, international projects, and promoting the Côte d’Azur, its landscapes, and its values. A promising journey, emblematic of the region he proudly represented on the national stage.
To those who dream of getting started, Dimitri Châtelain sends a straightforward message: “If you want to do it, go for it. Regardless of the result, it’s a fantastic experience that is truly worth it.”
