Uncapped backs Geoffrey Palis and Hugo Bonneval and flanker Antoine Burban were also selected by manager Philippe Saint-Andre for a week-long training camp before the squad is reduced to 23 players ahead of the opening game at home against England on February 1.
The absence of Michalak was expected with the flyhalf experiencing a difficult season with his club Toulon, for whom he has started only two out of 16 league games so far.
With his possible replacement Camille Lopez out through injury, Saint-Andre turned to Stade Francais' Plisson who briefly featured in the squad last year.
France, who finished bottom of the Six Nations in 2013 with only one victory, are without several injured key players, including scrumhalf Morgan Parra, centre Florian Fritz and winger Vincent Clerc.
Squad:
Forwards: Thomas Domingo, Yannick Forestier, Benjamin Kayser, Dimitri Szarzewski, Nicolas Mas, Rabah Slimani, Alexandre Flanquart, Yoann Maestri, Pascal Pape, Sébastien Vahaamahina, Antoine Burban, Thierry Dusautoir (captain), Bernard Le Roux, Yannick Nyanga, Damien Chouly, Louis Picamoles
Backs: Jean-Marc Doussain, Maxime Machenaud, Jules Plisson, Rémi Talès, Mathieu Bastareaud, Gael Fickou, Wesley Fofana, Maxime Mermoz, Sofiane Guitoune, Yoann Huget, Maxime Medard, Geoffrey Palis, Hugo Bonneval, Brice Dulin
(Reporting by Gregory Blachier; Editing by Justin Palmer)
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