Elodie Guiglion, centre Lucille Godiveau, Safi N'Diaye, prop Christelle Chobet and full-back Caroline Ladagnous all crossed the whitewash as England suffered back-to-back defeats following their loss to Ireland last time out.

It was les Bleues' first victory on English soil since 2005 and all but ended England's bid to win their eighth successive RBS 6 Nations title.

England have been without a host of senior internationals who are concentrating on their Sevens campaign but of those initially left out, fly-half Katy McLean, returned as a half-time replacement but could do little to stop les Bleues.

France went ahead in the fifth minute when Guiglion touched down in the left corner and while Kay Wilson's converted try briefly put the hosts ahead with some nifty footwork, four unanswered tries put paid to hopes of an England victory.

Godiveau raced on to a loose ball to score to restore France's lead before Amber Reed slotted a penalty on 33 minutes to give England some hope.

France No.8 N'Diaye then extended her side's advantage before the interval after barging through the English defence - the visitors taking an 18-10 lead into the break.

Prop Christelle Chobet charged over from close range shortly after half-time and despite an English rally, they only had Amber Reed's second penalty to show for their efforts before Ladagnous scores France's fifth try.

England flanker Gallagher crashed over under the posts with five minutes left and Harriet Millar-Mills converted to justly reduce the deficit to ten but it was too little too late as France earned a deserved victory.