It happened on 10 September

The Shah of Persia had lunch alone at Fontainebleau

Wednesday 10 September 1902. Mouzaffer ed-Dine alighted from the train at Fontainebleau. It was an omnibus, as the Shah of Persia detested speed. Five post-hired landaus were waiting for him, flanked by dragoons, with the chief of the gendarmerie leading the way.

*L’Abeille de Fontainebleau* reported on the day’s events the very next day. The journalist found him looking unwell and sad. At midday, the Shah had lunch alone, as was his custom, in a small, elegantly decorated drawing room, at a table adorned with flowers. In the afternoon, he willingly poses for photographs, accepts a bouquet, and finds our forests magnificent – he who adores the Bois de Boulogne.

He had not come here entirely by chance. The son of the Persian ambassador to Paris had spent two years attending the École d’application, right here, as an artillery lieutenant in the Persian army.

The visit had been announced, postponed, then denied. It eventually went ahead, in glorious weather.

Barefoot on the Appian Way

10 September 1960. In Rome, the Olympic marathon set off in the late afternoon to avoid the heat, followed the Appian Way and finished in front of the Arch of Constantine. Abebe Bikila won it barefoot, in 2 hours 15 minutes 16.2 seconds, the world’s fastest time at the time.

Four years later in Tokyo, he would win again. This time, he was wearing shoes.

Thirteen years later, to the day

On 10 September 1915, in the midst of the war and under strict censorship, Maurice and Jeanne Maréchal published the first issue of *Le Canard enchaîné* in Paris, together with the cartoonist H.-P. Gassier.

The venture was short-lived. After five issues, the newspaper ceased publication due to a lack of organisation and funds. It reappeared on 5 July 1916, and since then has ceased publication only once, during the four years of the Occupation.

An official visit that was announced, postponed and then denied. Thirteen years later, to the day, a newspaper is launched under censorship. 10 September is consistent in its principles.