The match, marking the 100th anniversary of FIFA's foundation on Friday, was played before a record attendance of 79,344 at the stadium where the two teams met in the 1998 World Cup final which France won 3-0.
France sported a replica of the kit they wore in their first international against Belgium in 1904 -- blue shirts with collars, a belt and long cream coloured shorts with red socks. Brazil wore white shirts, lace tie-up collars and long white shorts with blue socks similar to their first kit dating from 1914.
The referee and linesman were clad in all-black kit, rarely seen at international level these days since the introduction of coloured shirts a decade ago.
It was Brazil's first match back at the stadium since the World Cup final when Ronaldo was ill before the game and Brazil defied convention by not warming up for the game.
This time both he and Brazil warmed up to the delight of the crowd who also cheered as the Brazilian players unveiled a banner reading "Senna - Our eternal champion," marking the death of Brazilian motor racing idol Ayrton Senna 10 years ago this month.
France missed two clear opportunities to slot the ball home when Juventus striker David Trezeguet forced Dida to a dramatic save in the 23rd minute before substitute Sylvain Wiltord sent wide a cross by defender Bernard Mendy after the hour mark.
Brazil dominated most of the game and had the best chance after 67 minutes when Roberto Carlos hit Gregory Coupet's left post with a powerful 25-metre drive.
With France just weeks away from starting the defence of their European championship crown, the match allowed them to prepare for the finals in Portugal.
France face England in Group B in their opening match in Lisbon on June 13.
"I think it was a very good match between two of the best sides in the world," Parreira said.
"Both teams were really well organised and very competitive."
France were also held to a disappointing 0-0 draw in a friendly international against the Netherlands at Rotterdam in March.
Their recent goal drought is in stark contrast to the form they displayed during the European championship qualifying campaign, where France scored 29 goals and conceded just two.
"The only thing missing tonight was goals. When you came to see two sides like France and Brazil you can expect an entertaining performance," Santini said.
"But the goalkeepers, especially Gregory Coupet, and the defence played their part.
"I'm still confident in our striking power. Our last two matches were against great teams. The Netherlands are one of the favourites for the Euro finals and Brazil are five-time (world) champions. So there's no reason to worry."
Brazil entertain traditional rivals Argentina in a World Cup qualifier on June 2 in Belo Horizonte.
Result
France 0 Brazil 0
FIFA Centenary international friendly
Attendance: 79,344
France: 23-Gregory Coupet; 15-Lilian Thuram, 2-Jean-Alain Boumsong, 8-Marcel Desailly (captain) (3-Bernard Mendy 46), 5-William Gallas; 6-Claude Makelele, 4-Patrick Vieira, 10-Zinedine Zidane (19-Oliver Kapo 68), 7-Robert Pires (11-Sylvain Wiltord 46); 20-David Trezeguet, 12-Thierry Henry
Brazil: 1-Dida; 2-Cafu (captain), 3-Luisao, 15-Cris, 5-Edmilson, 6-Roberto Carlos; 10-Juninho Pernambucano (19-Julio Baptista 79), 11-Ze Roberto (17-Edu 46), 8-Kaka (21-Alex 46); 7-Ronaldinho, 9-Ronaldo
Referee: Manuel Enrique Mejuto (Spain)