In a thrilling encounter, watched by a record French crowd of 9, 650 people, England couldn't match a buoyant French side in every area and they consequently paid a high price.
Both sides made a breathless start with France really rising to the vociferous crowd and putting England under pressure. England, however, banked the first points of the evening with skipper Katy Mclean converting a penalty after some good work by Lichfield duo Natasha Hunt and Emily Scarratt.
France immediately bounced back and put England under pressure again. A line-out and drive saw them go close but in the end they added three points after Sandrine Agricole struck a superb drop goal, underlining France's ambitious play this evening.
France had another chance at goal some minutes later but missed, but their momentum continued and a super charged France caught England napping at the scrum. Only a massive defensive effort kept France out and in the end England over turned their hosts with Scarratt making the break up field and then Maggie Alphonsi. Alphonsi couldn't stay on her feet but France were penalised and Mclean edged England into a 6-3 lead with a 30 minute penalty.
France stuck with it though and Agricole slotted home an important kick at goal just six minutes later to keep the crowd on tenterhooks and make the score 6-6 at half-time.
France kept the upper-hand after the break and although they missed an early shot at goal they went ahead when hooker and captain Gaelle Mignot scored from a line-out and driving maul. Agricole didn't convert making the score 11-6.
France's ascendency continued with the home side successfully taking on England up front and whilst fullback Jessy Tremouliere missed a penalty France remained in control.
Matters then worsened for England as another line-out saw France inflict a powerful driving maul, and England couldn't stop the juggernaut. Mignot went over once again, and with Tremouliere this time taking the conversion France took a more assailable 6-18 lead and in the end the victory.
