In a Quiet French Village, a Cleric Conspired Behind Iran’s Revolution

By Michaela Cabrera

NEAUPHLE-LE-CHATEAU, France – This month marks the 40th anniversary of an important period in history, when Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who would later lead the Islamic Revolution in Iran, resided in a modest house in a village near Paris. During his time there, he often sat under an apple tree in the garden, contemplating the insurrection he would soon help ignite.

Khomeini had left Iran in the mid-1960s, fearing oppression from the Shah over his teachings. After a brief stay in Turkey, he moved to Iraq, but was expelled from Najaf by Saddam Hussein in 1978. He ultimately settled in the quiet village of Neauphle-le-Chateau, west of Paris, where he lived from October 1978 until his return to Tehran in February 1979, quietly fostering the Islamist revolution that continues to shape Iran today.

Jean-Claude Cintas, an artist who lived nearby, vividly remembers seeing Khomeini, identifiable by his bearded look and traditional robes, walking the streets, often accompanied by extra French police protection. “For the folks of Neauphle-le-Chateau, we wondered why so much importance was given to this man,” Cintas reflected, recognizing that they understood he was opposed to the Shah, but did not fully grasp the scope of his intentions.

Archived footage from that time features Khomeini sitting on a mattress beneath an apple tree, surrounded by Persian prayer rugs, engaging in quiet discussions. Other clips capture him walking through the village with children, including his grandson, while police observe from the sidelines. There are also recordings of him interacting with both Iranian and Western press.

Residents of the village have shared tales about Khomeini’s time there, even though little physical evidence remains to mark his presence other than a tourist sign detailing the history surrounding the Shah’s fall. One villager, Michelle Laverdaque, noted that Khomeini intentionally chose a modest home, reputedly for its large windows facing both east and west, which allowed him to pray towards the valley.

Paul Taylor, a young correspondent with Reuters assigned to cover Khomeini during this pivotal period, described Khomeini as remarkably tranquil amidst the political chaos of his homeland. “He was almost slightly on another planet,” Taylor recalled, noting Khomeini’s calm demeanor.

On January 16, 1979, the Shah fled Iran, and two weeks later, Khomeini returned to Tehran on a chartered flight, greeted by millions celebrating in the streets. Taylor remembered the uncertainty they faced as they left France, unsure if their plane would safely land.

Having played a crucial role in toppling a monarchy that had lasted over 2,000 years, Khomeini became the Supreme Leader of Iran and remained in power until his death in 1989 at the age of 86.

Today, his former residence in Neauphle-le-Chateau stands unchanged—modest and white, with green shutters and a simple wooden gate leading to the front door.