I am based in Paris so for anything further than an hour or two away the likelihood is that I would recommend another architect more locally. There are circumstances when I have worked further afield and will consider all projects on their merits and my workload. The point being that local architects should know the area, the local contractors and perhaps more importantly the Mayor and local planning restrictions.
Any project contains some risk and most people need to be assured that they are getting value for money. An architect should be able to help improve the value in a project, although it might not feel like that at first.
Design, taste and attitude towards the environment are also key factors in chosing an architect, the latter point rarely given enough consideration.
Depending on your level of French, you could try the following sites for further help :
If you decide you need an architect (which may not be necessary for something less than 170m²) then, if local enquires don't work, try www.architectes.org which is the site for the French equivalent of the RIBA, although only in French. Also you could check the following magazines www.francemag.com or www.french-property-news.com as they have quite a number of adverts for the sort of services you might require.
Another very useful site you might check is an architect managed construction organisation in France www.architecteurs.com. This has details of companies run by architects that also carry out the building work.
In any case please don't hesitate to send me an email should you have any questions.