The 23-year-old, who was born in Abu Dhabi, has impressed for Gloucester-Hartpury in Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby action this season and will look to translate that form on to the international scene against Les Bleues.
Richards is one of five changes made by head coach Ioan Cunningham to the site beaten 36-5 by Ireland last weekend.
Full-back Kayleigh Powell is in for her first start since the 2022 World Cup and an all-new back three is completed by Courtney Keight, who impressed off the bench against Ireland and England.
Carys Cox, who played on the wing in Round 3, moves to inside centre, while there is also a change at scrum-half as Sian Jones comes in for Keira Bevan.
The final alteration is in the pack, where Natalia John partners Abbie Fleming in the second row.
"France are one of the best teams in the world, they are real force in the world game and are a major challenge for us and they are favourites for this Test match.
"We have all taken a long hard look at ourselves this week and have stripped our game back and focused on what we have to do. We have drawn a line in the sand, and we need a performance at Cardiff Arms Park.
"Playing in front of our own supporters provides us with an opportunity to show who we are, and we have nothing to lose. We are a good rugby team and we have selected a squad to meet the challenge ahead of us.
"Catherine Richards has had to wait for her Wales cap and will be the fifth new cap during this campaign. She deserves her opportunity having shown what a threat she can be during the Celtic Challenge and in the PWR.
"Kayleigh and Courtney have impressed and made an impact when they have come on and deserve their places in the starting line-up."
Wales: 15 Kayleigh Powell, 14 Catherine Richards, 13 Hannah Jones (captain), 12 Carys Cox, 11 Courtney Keight, 10 Lleucu George, 9 Sian Jones; 1 Gwenllian Pyrs, 2 Carys Phillips, 3 Sisilia Tuipulotu, 4 Natalia John, 5 Abbie Fleming, 6 Alisha Butchers, 7 Alex Callender (vice-captain), 8 Georgia Evans.
Replacements: 16 Molly Reardon, 17 Abbey Constable, 18 Donna Rose, 19 Kate Williams, 20 Gwennan Hopkins, 21 Keira Bevan, 22 Mollie Wilkinson, 23 Jasmine Joyce.
