Reigning champions Bordeaux will set a Ligue 1 record if they launch the defence of their title with a home victory over Lens this weekend.
Les Girondins won their final 11 matches at the end of last season on their march to a sixth French title.
Only Lille, in 1949, have won as many games in a row in France's top flight although that was spread out over two seasons.
A 12th consecutive triumph would establish a new record - and would give Laurent Blanc's men the perfect start to what could be a tough season for them.
Expectation levels will have increased after their title-winning exploits of the 2008/09 campaign, when they finally ended Lyon's seven-year dominance of the championship.
"We are champions, people will be waiting for us everywhere," said Bordeaux captain Alou Diarra.
"It will be another world this season. If we win a second title, it would be a massive achievement."
Bordeaux's game against Lens, who are back in the big time after a year in Ligue 2, is on Sunday night and will be the last match in the first round of fixtures.
Sunday's other encounter sees Lille host Lorient, with the other eight matches being played on Saturday.
Marseille and Lyon are expected to be Bordeaux's chief rivals for the title and the big-spending pair start off their campaigns away from home.
Last season's runners-up Marseille, who have signed 10 players over the summer, take on Grenoble at the Stade des Alpes with Didier Deschamps now at the helm.
Lyon, meanwhile, will visit Le Mans without key pair Karim Benzema and Juninho, who have both moved to new clubs in the close season.
But they do have 70million euros worth of new talent in their ranks, with Lisandro Lopez and Bafetimbi Gomis making up their strikeforce and full-back Aly Cissokho and winger Michel Bastos set to link up down the left.
"We have lost two massive individuals but some heavyweight replacements have come in. The danger could come from anywhere," said Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
Toulouse, the fourth-placed finishers last season, begin with an away tussle at Monaco, who are now coached by Guy Lacombe.
Paris St Germain, the dark horses for a Champions League finish this campaign, are at promoted Montpellier.
The other team to have come up from Ligue 2, Boulogne-sur-Mer, visit Rennes.
Elsewhere, Valenciennes host fellow strugglers last season Nancy, St Etienne welcome Nice and Auxerre entertain Sochaux.
