France, July 1 -- The delicate tapestry will be transported from its usual home in northern France, but the precise arrangements are being kept secret as heritage experts and artists have fretted that it could be damaged in transit.

British Museum director Nicholas Cullinan said they were "expecting huge demand" for the exhibition, likening the sale to the annual rush for Glastonbury music festival tickets.

Top-tier tickets for the exhibition - set to run from this September to next July - cost up to £33 (€43).

AFP joined the queue when the online ticket system opened at 10am on Wednesday, finding tens of thousands of users already waiting.

French officials have said the 70-metre tapestry will travel from its usual home in ...