Déjà vu? The Times: Brigitte Macron’s daughter is dating a man 20 years younger

A love story similar to that of Brigitte Macron and Emmanuel Macron is attracting the attention of the French media. More than 30 years after Brigitte Macron fell in love with Emmanuel Macron, who was an adolescent and her student at the time, her daughter, Tiphaine Auzière, has become involved in a romance with a significant age gap.

Tiphaine Auzière, 42, has gone public with her relationship with 22-year-old Antoine Lecomte, who studies at a business school in northern France and works as a water sports instructor. The 20-year age difference between them immediately prompted comparisons with Auzière’s mother’s relationship with the French president.

The couple are believed to have met in Le Touquet, the seaside town where the Macron family has owned a holiday home for years. Auzière met Lecomte after taking lessons from him in electric surfboarding, known as eFoil.

Their romance was also confirmed on social media. On Sunday, Auzière shared a video on Instagram from a trip to Amsterdam with Lecomte. In the video, they are seen spending time together and staying in the same room at the Faralda Hotel, an unusual structure built on top of a former crane at an abandoned shipyard.

Lecomte also posted the video, captioning it: “48 hours in a day with Madam.”

French magazine Gala reported that Auzière ended her relationship with television presenter Cyril Hanouna in May. Their relationship had lasted about a year, and Hanouna had also invited Auzière to appear occasionally as a commentator on his program.

According to sources close to Auzière, the age difference is not an issue for the couple.

“There was an immediate connection between them,” a friend of theirs said. He added that they share a passion for Le Touquet, travel, excitement and entrepreneurship. Lecomte is also working on developing a company related to kitesurfing equipment.

Another friend of Auzière linked her character to that of her mother, saying that both “follow their hearts” and do not pay much attention to other people’s opinions.

Auzière, who has two children from a previous relationship, has previously spoken about how her mother’s relationship with Macron affected her life.

Brigitte Macron was 38 and working as a drama teacher at a Catholic school in Amiens when she began her relationship with Macron, who at the time was still an adolescent and her student.

During 2024, Auzière described that period as an experience that had strengthened her character. She said she had learned to deal with public attention and people’s comments.

Meanwhile, Auzière has publicly defended her mother, who for years has been the subject of conspiracy theories online. She also testified in a trial held in Paris over online harassment targeting Brigitte Macron.

Ten people were found guilty of online harassment against the French first lady and received suspended sentences and fines.

The Macron family has also launched legal proceedings in the United States against influencer Candace Owens, who has spread false claims and conspiracy theories about Brigitte Macron. Auzière is expected to testify in the case.