After a frustrating start to the Six Nations, France claimed a rare victory over England that boosted the morale of Jacques Brunel's men who believe they are a force to be reckoned with again.
Les Bleus opened this year's campaign with two defeats, by Ireland and Scotland, that stretched their winless streak to eight games.
A win against perennial Six Nations whipping boys Italy snapped that losing run but it was Saturday's 22-16 victory over England that gave new coach Brunel big hopes for the future.
"This team went through a tough period but I was convinced they could be close to the best," said Brunel, who took over from Guy Noves in December.
"Against Ireland, we had already shown that we were there but we didn't get lucky but this time, luck was on our side.
"Against these two nations, we showed that we could compete. We will be a force to be reckoned with."
The win against 2017 champions England was all the more pleasing because France were still without the players who were axed from the squad for going on a night out following the 32-26 defeat by Scotland at Murrayfield on February 11.
Among those dropped is exciting wing Teddy Thomas but his replacement, Remy Grosso, seized the opportunity and was named man-of-the-match on Saturday.
But it was France's collective performance that impressed at the Stade de France as England struggled to pierce through their brick-wall defence.
Les Bleus missed only eight from 176 tackles - just two in the first half - and dominated England at the breakdown, holding firm in the opening 15 minutes when their opponent enjoyed 75 per cent of possession.
"We won thanks to our defence," said halfback Maxime Machenaud, who converted his four penalties.
"That's how you build a team - with a defence, because you can see that every player fights for the other."
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