Wales are on a record run of 12-successive Test defeats, while it is six losses in a row against France.
With over 150 caps combined, Swansea-born Adams, 29 and Williams, 33 bring a much-needed wealth of experience for what promises to be a stern test in Paris.
Exeter Cheifs Dafydd Jenkins is also back in the side, who along with Adams missed the autumn internationals after undergoing surgery.
Williams was absent for the 2024 Six Nations after his stint in Japanese rugby, but returns after re-joining Saracens in November.
Cardiff hooker Evan Lloyd and Scarlets Henry Thomas are given their first Wales starts in the front row alongside Ospreys Gareth Thomas, while Racing 92 lock Will Rowlands partners Jenkins.
Wales and Ospreys captain Jac Morgan starts on one flank with Cardiff’s James Botham on the other, while Dragons Aaron Wainwright has proved his fitness to start at number eight.
Taulupe Faletau misses out on the 23 after suffering a knee injury in training with Cardiff.
Cardiff utility man Ben Thomas is given the nod ahead of promising Ospreys star Dan Edwards at fly-half, with 21-year-old Edwards set to win his first cap from the bench.
In form Gloucester scrum-half Tomos Williams will partner Thomas, while Ospreys Owen Watkin and Saracens Nick Tompkins are reunited to form an experienced midfield.
Adams is joined by Scarlets Tom Rogers on the wing, with Williams starting at full-back.
Scarlets star Blair Murray provides back three cover.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland said:
“We are excited for the challenge on Friday. The Six Nations in the best rugby competition in the world.
“Every game is a big occasion. We want to go out there, embrace that and start our championship well.”
Wales XV to face France:
Liam Williams, Tom Rogers, Owen Watkin, Nick Tompkins, Josh Adams; Ben Thomas, Tomos Williams
Gareth Thomas, Evan Lloyd, Henry Thomas, Will Rowlands, Dafydd Jenkins, James Botham,
Jac Morgan (captain), Aaron Wainwright.
Replacements:
Elliot Dee, Nicky Smith, Keiron Assiratti, Freddie Thomas, Tommy Reffell, Rhodri Williams, Dan Edwards, Blair Murray.
[Lead image: Welsh Rugby Union]
