Mylène Soudant Claims Title of Queen of Archers in Eclaron Tradition

In a display of precision and persistence, Mylène Soudant has been crowned the new Queen of the première Compagnie d’Arc d’Eclaron. The title was decided on Saturday, April 4, 2026, during the club’s traditional “abat l’oiseau” (shoot the bird) event, where Soudant’s skill ultimately overcame both the competition and the elements.

The event, held at the jardin d’arc in Eclaron, is a cornerstone of the company’s heritage, serving as the mechanism to appoint a new Roy (King) or Reine (Queen), as well as a Roitelet or Dauphine. This year, the competition was a battle of nerves and accuracy, with the target “bird” perched at a height of 19 meters for the adult participants.

Precision Amidst the Mud

The day began with capricious weather, though the rain subsided by the afternoon. Despite the clearing skies, the terrain remained muddy, adding a layer of physical instability to an already demanding task. Twelve adults and three youth archers participated in the ritual.

While many arrows struck the target, the decisive moment came on the 12th shot. Mylène Soudant did not merely hit the bird. she split it in two, securing her position as the 64th Reine of the première Compagnie d’Arc d’Eclaron for 2026.

For those unfamiliar with the tradition, the “abat l’oiseau” is less about a cumulative score and more about the singular, definitive strike that brings down the target, often requiring a combination of strength and extreme accuracy to hit a target positioned high above the archer.

A Legacy of Excellence

Soudant is no stranger to the pressures of the jardin d’arc. A member of the company since 2001, she previously held the title of Queen in 2004. Her recent victory is a testament to a long-term commitment to the sport and a level of consistency that spans over two decades.

Beyond the traditional festivities of Eclaron, Soudant has proven herself a formidable force in competitive archery. In January 2025, during the indoor qualifying tournaments for the French Championships held in Suippes and Neufchâteau, she dominated the senior “1” classic bow category. During that event, she posted an impressive score of 523 points, marking her as one of the standout performers in the region.

The Soudant name appears to be synonymous with archery talent in Eclaron. The family’s presence was felt across multiple categories in the January qualifiers: Emma Soudant secured third place in the U11 category, Brice Soudant finished fourth in the senior “2” division, and Jacky Soudant placed fifth in the men’s division.

Youth Competition and Next Steps

While the adult category reached a definitive conclusion, the youth competition remained unresolved. The target for the younger archers was set at 11 meters, but after 70 arrows, the bird remained in place. The company has announced that further attempts will take place during the Easter holidays to determine this year’s youth title.

As the new Reine, Mylène Soudant now takes on the role of the company’s official representative. Her first major appearance will be at the parade for the bouquet provincial on May 17 in Chiry-Ourscamp, located in the Oise department.

The crowning of Mylène Soudant continues a storied tradition in Eclaron, blending the community’s cultural heritage with the high-level technical skill seen in the French competitive circuit. The archery community now looks forward to the May 17 parade in Chiry-Ourscamp.

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