Captain Dafydd Jenkins is named at blind-side flanker with Will Rowlands making his first start of the 2024 Six Nations alongside Adam Beard in the second row.
Hooker Ryan Elias starts his second match of this Championship.
Joe Roberts will win his second senior international cap on the weekend, he partners Owen Watkin in the midfield.
Among the replacements hooker Elliot Dee is in line to win his 50th cap for Wales from the bench. Gareth Davies is also named in the match day 23 as scrum half cover.
Gatland said: “There are a few changes to the team this week as there are some players that deserve an opportunity.
“It’ll be a tough, physical challenge from France on Sunday particularly up front. We know they will start hard and it’s about us staying in the fight, having good line speed defensively and keeping our discipline. We’re looking for an 80 minute performance.
“We’re excited to be back at home for our last two matches and looking forward to getting out in front of a passionate Welsh crowd this weekend.”
Wales senior men’s team to play France at Principality Stadium, Cardiff in the Guinness Six Nations, Sunday 10 March KO 3pm GMT. Live on BBC and S4C.
15. Cameron Winnett (Cardiff Rugby – 3 caps)
14. Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby – 57 caps)
13. Joe Roberts (Scarlets – 1 cap)
12. Owen Watkin (Ospreys – 37 caps)
11. Rio Dyer (Dragons – 17 caps)
10. Sam Costelow (Scarlets – 10 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Cardiff Rugby – 56 caps)
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys – 28 caps)
2. Ryan Elias (Scarlets – 41 caps)
3. Keiron Assiratti (Cardiff Rugby – 5 caps)
4. Will Rowlands (Racing 92 – 31 caps)
5. Adam Beard (Ospreys – 54 caps)
6. Dafydd Jenkins (Exeter Chiefs – 15 caps) Captain
7. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers – 16 caps)
8. Aaron Wainwright (Dragons – 46 caps)
Replacements
16. Elliot Dee (Dragons – 49 caps)
17. Corey Domachowski (Cardiff Rugby – 9 caps)
18. Dillon Lewis (Harlequins – 55 caps)
19. Alex Mann (Cardiff Rugby – 3 caps)
20. Mackenzie Martin (Cardiff Rugby – 1 cap)
21. Gareth Davies (Scarlets – 75 caps)
22. Ioan Lloyd (Scarlets – 5 caps)
23. Mason Grady (Cardiff Rugby – 9 caps)
