Tiphaine Auzière, 42, has publicly shared details of her relationship with Antoine Lecomte, a 22-year-old kitesurfing instructor, a development that has brought renewed attention to the age-gap romance between her mother, French First Lady Brigitte Macron, and President Emmanuel Macron.
Lecomte, a student at NEOMA Business School and competitive kitesurfer, met Auzière in Le Touquet, a French seaside town where both have ties. He reportedly taught her how to use an eFoil, a type of electric surfboard. The couple recently posted a video on Instagram documenting a trip to Amsterdam, which elicited comments drawing comparisons to the age difference between Auzière's mother and stepfather.
Lecomte acknowledged the similarities, stating in an interview, "I can appreciate why people are interested because our relationship is very similar to that of her mother, Brigitte, and President Macron." He emphasized the seriousness of their relationship, adding, "It's not a summer fling. It's love, it's serious. We have plans for the future."
Ms. Auzière, a lawyer, was previously in a civil partnership with Antoine Choteau until early 2025 and split from television host Cyril Hanouna in May 2026. Her new relationship comes as the Macrons' own relationship, marked by a 24-year age gap, remains strong. President Macron was 15 when he met Brigitte Auzière, then a married 39-year-old drama teacher and mother of three, whose eldest daughter was his classmate.
Sources close to Auzière have told French magazine Gala that she and Lecomte share common interests, including a love for Le Touquet, travel, and entrepreneurship. "It was immediately obvious between them," a friend noted. Another friend described Auzière as being "very much like her mother," stating that she "follows her heart and doesn't care what other people think."
Ms. Auzière has previously defended her mother against criticism related to their age difference. In 2017, she stated that attacks based on age were "totally outrageous" and suggested a "lot of jealousy" was behind such comments. She added that she admired her mother's work and involvement, saying, "If people have nothing else to do but criticise, let them do it, it will only bring us closer together."
Brigitte Macron is reportedly supportive of her daughter's new relationship. A source told Gala, "She reacted just like any mother would. All that matters to her is her daughter's happiness, so she's very happy to see her thriving. She'll be delighted to meet Antoine."
Lecomte, who founded Mission Kiteboarding, is developing his company in Asia, and Auzière is expected to accompany him. She has reportedly introduced Lecomte to her two children, Élise, 12, and Aurèle, 10. The couple has been observed sightseeing and staying in a hotel in Amsterdam. Online commentary on their shared video has ranged from supportive to critical, with some users drawing parallels to the Macron family's past.
President Macron's parents had expressed surprise when his relationship with Brigitte Auzière first came to light. His mother recounted their initial disbelief, while his father described his reaction as one of shock. Macron eventually married Brigitte when he was 29 and she was 54. He later addressed her children at their wedding reception, saying, "Thanks for accepting us, a not-quite-normal couple."