If you are leaving the US for more than 6 months, then you need to consult an immigration attorney; the rules are complicated, particularly if you don't have a residence in the US (rent paid, utilities, phone, etc. in the USA for the period while you are in France). Worst case you lose your status and would need to re-apply from scratch. Best case you can return freely within 1 year, and with the right paperwork within 2 years, but you would need to prove that you had not left the US "permanently", which usually means showing ties to the US while you were "on vacation" in France.