Having seen their run of seven-straight Women's Six Nations titles ended by Ireland Women last year, England were looking to get their 2014 campaign off to a fast start in France.
But in a thrilling encounter, watched be a record French crowd of 9,650, England were no match for their hosts and slipped to an 18-6 loss.
England captain Katy Mclean bagged two penalties but opposition skipper Gaelle Mignot helped herself to two tries in the victory.
Next up for England is a trip to a Scotland side who lost their opener 59-0 to Ireland - and Street insists he wants to see more from his troops.
"This was a disappointing performance in every aspect," Street said. "We let ourselves down whilst France took their opportunities.
"We thought we had done our preparations well but clearly we have not done them well enough.
"This is a big lesson for us to learn and we have got to get it right against Scotland next Sunday."
