Four tries saw France chalk up their third straight victory of the Championship, ensuring that after Ireland's loss to England on Saturday, they remain the only side in the hunt for the Grand Slam.

Wales showed plenty of endeavour but they remain without a win from their opening three matches and above bottom-placed Scotland only by virtue of a better points difference.

Indeed, the hosts went into the half-time interval trailing just 3-0 after an impressive showing in the first-half - Sandrine Agricole's penalty all France had to show for their efforts.

A scrappy first half saw numerous penalties given away but it wasn't until half an hour in that the deadlock was broken, Agricole eventually finding her radar.

Wales came out for the second half buoyant after their first-half efforts but French pressure finally told with a pushover try from second row Assa Koita.

Agricole converted for a 10-0 lead and she delivered the killer blow when she dotted down for France's second score of the match, midway through the second half.

That knocked the wind out of Wales' sails and centre Shanon Izar went over with just a few minutes remaining, Agricole again adding the extras.

And wing Marion Lievre, who had threatened all afternoon, added another in the closing stages as France, who last lifted the trophy in 2005, took a step closer to regaining it.