The visitors dominated the first half, scoring five unanswered tries to lead 31-0 at the break. Tom Leveque opened the scoring in the corner before Baptiste Tilloles crossed under the posts. Second-row Baptiste Veschambre added another, and centre Adrien Drault finished off a loose ball for France's bonus-point try before Tana Keletaona powered over to complete the first-half scoring.
Scotland responded strongly after the interval. Captain Joe Roberts got the hosts on the board, breaking from a driving maul to race into the corner. Replacement hooker Jamie McAughtrie soon followed with another maul try, converted by Jake Dalziel.
Momentum grew when Campbell Waugh burst through on an inside line from Dalziel's pass to score Scotland's third, reducing the gap and lifting the Hive crowd.
France halted the comeback when Drault grabbed his second try following an offload from Nils Punti. Scotland still secured a bonus point late on as substitute Jackson Rennie burrowed over after sustained pressure, Dalziel converting.
France had the final word through Timeo Frier, but Scotland's four-try second-half showing ensured they took a deserved bonus point despite the 45-26 defeat.