When the students from Sainte Anne De Valence College visited in 1972, the palace was in its full glory, functioning as a hub of royal activities and a venue for hosting international dignitaries. The visit aligned with a period when Iran, under the leadership of the Shah, sought to strengthen cultural ties with the West, including France.
A Journey of Discovery
The Sainte Anne students’ visit to Niavaran Palace was part of a broader educational tour aimed at fostering cultural exchange between France and Iran. These exchanges were a common practice during the 1970s, as countries around the world sought to promote mutual understanding through student visits, educational programs, and cultural collaborations.
For many of the students, this was their first encounter with a non-European cultural setting. The journey to Iran itself was filled with anticipation, with the students eager to explore a land known for its ancient civilization, poetic legacy, and contemporary progress. Upon arriving in Tehran, they were warmly welcomed, reflecting the traditional Iranian value of hospitality.