Wayne Pivac’s side looked like they would seal a clean sweep after they scored tries through Dan Biggar, Josh Navidi and Josh Adams before France’s Paul Willemse was red carded.
But in an astonishing finale at the Stade de France, Wales pair Taulupe Faletau and Liam Williams were both yellow carded and Brice Dulin’s try with the clock in the red zone won it for the hosts.
Wales can still win the title on points difference, but their hopes of a fifth straight Championship victory were denied right at the death.
“We didn’t win the game which was the main aim of the day. We played pretty well for the 80 minutes and it went down to the dying seconds,” said heartbroken Wales captain Jones.
“I think our poor discipline brought the pressure on and credit to France for the way they played in the last 15 minutes. It’s very disappointing because we knew what was at stake in this game.”
Alun Wyn Jones talks to referee Luke Pearce
I think our poor discipline brought the pressure on and credit to France for the way they played in the last 15 minutes
Jones continued: “I thought we were pretty good for the 80 odd minutes of the game, but obviously France edged it in the final play.
“They built the pressure in those final minutes. Indiscipline probably cost us, but credit to France for getting the win.
“The way we have gone through the tournament and off the back of the Autumn Nations Cup, we’ve had an avalanche in terms of improvement of performances, but we obviously fell short today.
“There is no consolation in pride. It’s something you feel and put value on, but we came here to win.
“You learn every day. We’ll let the dust settle and see where we are.”
France scored through Romain Taofifenua, Antoine Dupont, Charles Ollivon and Dulin whose last-gasp effort brought the curtain down on one of the best games in Six Nations history.
France will have to beat Scotland with a bonus point on Friday to steal the title from Wales.
“The title is not in our hands now and we invited the pressure on late on,” said Jones.
“We have been very proud and privileged to play in this tournament, but it’s out of our hands now although hopefully we have made the country proud.”
There is no consolation in pride. It’s something you feel and put value on, but we came here to win
