The home side won a titanic contest 32-21 but there was plenty to admire about the Scotland performance as they bounced back impressively from a nightmare opening period that saw them fall 19-0 behind after losing lock Grant Gilchrist to a red card.
The numbers were evened up when French prop Mohamed Haouas also saw red – the first time in Six Nations history that opposing teams have each had a player sent off in the first half – and two tries from Huw Jones and one from Finn Russell brought the Scots back to within four points at 25-21 behind with 12 minutes to play.
However, a loose line-out allowed France to steal possession and break forward in the closing stages with centre Gael Fickou sealing a bonus-point win for the hosts with a last minute try, adding to the earlier tries from Romain Ntamack, Ethan Dumortier and Thomas Ramos.
Here is how the Scotland players rated out of 10 ...
5. Grant Gilchrist
Sent off after seven minutes when his shoulder made contact with Anthony Jelonch’s head. Now likely to be suspended. 1 Photo: ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT
6. Jamie Ritchie
A bit sloppy with pass to Duhan van der Merwe when the winger looked in a good position to score but rallied the troops impressively after difficult start. 7 Photo: ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT
7. Hamish Watson
Making his first appearance of his Six Nations but was sacrificed after the Gilchrist red card so Scotland could bring on another lock in Jonny Gray. 2 Photo: David Davies
8. Matt Fagerson
Adapted well in the short-handed back row following Watson’s departure. 7 Photo: FRANCK FIFE