Ward and Simon will open the best-of-five tie at 12:30 BST on Friday, followed by world number three Andy Murray against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Britain are trying to reach the World Group semi-finals for the first time since 1981.
The doubles take place on Saturday and reverse singles on Sunday.
The winners will face Australia or Kazakhstan in September, with Britain guaranteed a home tie should they progress.
Jamie Murray and Dom Inglot are scheduled to face Nicolas Mahut and Richard Gasquet in Saturday's doubles, although nominations can change up to one hour before play.
Britain beat the USA 3-2 in Glasgow in March to reach the last eight.
