The Festival of Football is open to all and aims to set a tone of fellowship and fair play to last throughout the month-long tournament.

The precise details of the celebration are being kept closely under wraps. But it is known that there will be four theme parades, featuring four plastic giants, leaving from four of Paris's landmarks and meeting at the Place de la Concorde.

The hands of one of four plastic giant appears over the Place de la Concorde

A small preview was seen in a rehearsal on Monday night, but the full scale will not be known until Tuesday.

The processions are said to be symbolic of the universal spirit of the World Cup, uniting all the nations through their love of the game while also honouring each country's character and history.

Each procession will have sound effects, stadium noises and music. They will stop at various locations along the route then join at the Place de la Concorde for a show featuring music, dance and fireworks.

The extravaganza will be based on the three "World Cup watchwords" - excitement, universality and sharing.

Scots kick off party

Meanwhile, Scotland's Tartan Army is settling into the streets of Paris ready for the tournament's opening game against Brazil at the Stade de France on Wednesday.

Thousands of kilts and ginger wigs swept into the city to kick off the party in boisterous style.

Scottish fans dress for the occasion

An advance guard set up camp at the top of the Champs Elysees, complete with their own accordion player who entertained the troops with a rousing chorus of Flower of Scotland.

But some locals are yet to get into the spirit of things. "French people are moody. My customers have been grumbling about disruption caused by the World Cup and the fact that roads have been shut off, " said Oliver Fournier, who runs the Bistro du Monde near the Ecole Militaire.