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 ...
9. Ben White
Posed a big attacking threat and kept his composure in face of Mohamed Haouas’ assault. 8 Photo: David Rogers
10. Finn Russell
Scored a fine try and led the attack with verve but guilty of throwing intercept pass which led to Thomas Ramos’ try. 7 Photo: FRANCK FIFE
11. Duhan van der Merwe
Was rarely unleashed and bundled into touch with the one chance he had in the first half. 6 Photo: ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT
12. Sione Tuipulotu
Excellent again, in attack and defence. Blossoming at this level. 8 Photo: ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT