In living memory, the Haute-Loire town of Yssingeaux, population 6,700, has not seen such a commotion. The Islamic Republic of Iran has chosen the local chateau de Montbarnier to house its World Cup football team.
A few of the chateau's usual inhabitants from the French National Pastry School have been allowed to stay on. But the management banished the barman and produced a new pamphlet for guests in which the chateau's ample liquor display has been replaced by a soberly furnished room with a grand piano.
When the Iranian team underwent training in Brittany last March, women were banned from the footballers' residence. But human rights and feminist groups protested.
At Yssingeaux, Iranian authorities have accepted the presence of cleaning women, on condition they not be dressed "provocatively".
This is the first time since the 1979 revolution that Iranian athletes have competed in France. The chateau, an hour and a half from Lyons, was chosen because it could be easily guarded by French gendarmes. In a match ripe with political resonance, Iran will play the US in Lyons on June 21st.
"The desire of the present government in Tehran for normal international relations should work in favour of a calm and peaceful match," a French security official said.
