France, May 6 -- On Wednesday 8 May, the flame will land in Marseille, France's second city, after a 12-day crossing of the Mediterranean aboard the three-masted Belem ship.

French swimmer Florent Manaudou will be the first torchbearer on French soil. The Olympic cauldron will be lit at around 7.45pm (Paris time).

Relay organisers said other torchbearers include Jean-Pierre Papin, from Olympique de Marseille football team - winner of the Ballon d'Or in 1991, NBA hall of fame former basketball player Tony Parker, Valentin Rongier, current OM captain, and Didier Drogba, another Marseille legend.

They are joined by former swimmers Fabien Gilot and Frederick Bousquet, French rap singer Soprano torch and three-star chef Alexandre Mazzia.

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