France came out of the traps quickly, wing Boulard picking out a cross-field kick from fly-half Carla Arbez to open the scoring, with Morgane Bourgeois taking herself further ahead atop the list of highest points scorers this year with her conversion.
Despite compounding errors on their own lineout, Wales atoned for any early creakiness with a try from close quarters by blindside flanker Kate Williams. It ensured the visitors had scored points in the first half against France for the first time in six meetings.
France bounced back indignantly, Boulard taking the ball one-handed on the left wing for her second try. Bourgeois’ successful conversion from the touchline summed up her value to this team: 14-5.
Shortly after the opening quarter, Wales scored another close-range effort in a near identical position – this one from lock Gwen Crabb – while France received a final warning in the act of trying to stop it. Bevan succeeded with her conversion this time to make it a two-point affair: 14-12.
The clock in the red for the end of the first half, hooker Manon Bigot scored a more prosaic effort for France, underlining the fact that, despite their rediscovered flair, they could still do the gritty work.
Bourgeois made it three from three conversions to close out a half that would have been equal parts frustrating (France) and encouraging (Wales): 21-12.
Co-captain Manaé Feleu helped France start the second half much as they’d done in the first, a steady trucking up of forwards culminating in the second row scoring under the posts. Bourgeois converted: 28-12.
Wales’ response when it came was good, Courtney Keight running a smart line that left the French defence clutching at thin air as she touched down. Welsh joy lasted barely a minute, however, with the TMO informing Holly Wood that Abbie Fleming had committed an obstruction at the preceding lineout.
A penalty try and a yellow card to Maisie Davies – barely on the field to replace Gwenllian Pyrs – put to bed any thoughts of a Welsh revival, and there was little chance of France conceding now; not with the numerical advantage on the field and the noise support off it with a sell-out crowd at the Stade Amédée-Domenech.
France unloaded the bench in the closing stages and their firepower was too much for the visitors, as replacement centre Léa Champon scored a try, while Bourgeois' conversion put 40 points between the sides: 42-12.
France will need a more polished performance come Super Saturday and a meeting with the Red Roses at the end of the month, but here the scoreline was convincing enough to allow them room to manoeuvre before then.
Guinness Player of the Match: Manon Bigot (France)