Witnesses are not just a box on the town hall form. They often fix bow ties at 8 a.m., greet late guests, and carry the rings.
In France the law requires at least one witness per spouse for the civil ceremony (two per person is common). Beyond that you can name honor attendants for the secular ceremony with no legal cap.
Roles to clarify in writing
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Civil witness: present at the town hall, ID on file
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Ring bearer: someone you trust, not necessarily the civil witness
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Day-of coordinator: single contact for caterer and DJ (often a witness or organized friend)
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Secular ceremony host: may or may not be the coordinator
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Guest greeters: 1 to 2 people at the venue entrance with the seating chart
How many witnesses
Two per partner (four total) is the French norm. More creates decision drag and hurt feelings ("why them and not me?").
Pick people available on the day, comfortable speaking in public if needed, and who know each other enough to coordinate without paging you every ten minutes.