The reigning champions, who have endured a disappointing start to the season, opened the scoring after 19 minutes through Stephane Ziani and Hassan Ahamada doubled the lead ten minutes later.
Burundi-born striker Shabani Nonda pulled one back for the visitors after 74 minutes, but it was not enough to prevent Didier Deschamps' side going down to defeat.
Marseille climbed out of the bottom four with a hard-fought win over Rennes at the Stade Velodrome.
Lucio Fernando gave the home side the perfect start firing them in front after just 14 minutes and former Chelsea man Frank Leboeuf doubled the lead from the penalty spot six minutes from time.
Rennes were thrown a lifeline just two minutes later when Olivier Monterrubio netted from the penalty spot, but they could not find an equaliser and Marseille held on for all three points.
Sochaux missed the chance to move into the top four after being held to a goalless draw at Guingamp.
Sedan moved above Metz into third from bottom with a convincing 2-0 win over Montpellier.
Henri Camara gave the home side a dream start with the opening goal after just four minutes.
The visitors were reduced to 10 men when Serge Blanc was sent-off in the 71st minute and Sedan made their numerical advantage count when Ludovic Asuar doubled the lead just three minutes later.
Bastia moved into the top half of the table with an impressive 3-1 at home over Lorient.
The visitors had taken the lead after 20 minutes through the in-form Jean-Claude Darcheville, but a strong second half fightback gave Bastia the win.
Former Lyon striker Tony Vairelles drew the sides level from the penalty spot after 51 minutes and he put them in front with his second just four minutes later.
Mickael Essien wrapped up the victory for the home side with the third in the 68th minute.
Click on a link below for the full match facts:
Bastia v Lorient
Guingamp v Sochaux
Marseille v Rennes
Nantes v Monaco
Sedan v Montpellier
Click here for L'Championnat table
