Romain Amalfitano

But who will Sunderland be facing on the other side of the Channel? Here's a guide to the Black Cats' trio of opponents.

1. FC Stade Nyonnais - Monday July 25

Sunderland will ease themselves into their French tour with a clash against Swiss third division opposition.

Sign up to our daily newsletter The i newsletter cut through the noise Sign up Thanks for signing up! Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting...

Nyonnais finished seventh in the league table last season, in a competition where the bulk of the Swiss top flight sides field their reserve teams.

It will very much be a clash against minnows, whose record attendance is a little over 7,000 from a friendly against Real Madrid 15 years ago.

2 Dijon - Wednesday July 27

Newly-promoted Dijon will be far more of a test for Sunderland after they returned to France's Ligue 1 last season.

This will be their first campaign back in the top flight since relegation in 2012, when ex-Sunderland defender Patrice Carteron - then head coach - paid with his job.

Among the Dijon squad is ex-Newcastle man Romain Amalfitano - a midfielder who made five Europa League appearances for the Magpies before returning to France in 2013.

3. Montpellier - Saturday July 30

Sunderland will complete their time in France with their sternest test against a club crowned league champions just five years ago.

Montpellier have helped to produce the likes of Laurent Blanc and Olivier Giroud but finished in a disappointing 12th spot in Ligue 1 last season.