Returning scrum-half Antoine Dupont inspired France to a crushing victory in Paris with the hosts barely moving out of second gear in the seven-try success against a hapless Welsh team.
Home captain Dupont dazzled as he provided the inspiration with three try assists before he was taken off after only 49 minutes.
Wings Theo Attissogbe and Louis Bielle-Biarrey had both crossed for two tries as the hosts led 28-0 at half-time.
Replacements Julien Marchand, Emilien Gailleton and number eight Gregory Alldritt scored tries after the break to complete the drubbing.
The defeat for would be a record Six Nations loss against the French and would be the first time since the tournament began 25 years ago that Wales have failed to score a point against Six Nations opposition.
In a demoralising start, Wales also finished only one point short of equalling their all-time worst Six Nations defeat of 54-10 against Ireland 23 years ago.
It was a 13th successive Test reversal under Gatland with next Saturday Stadio Olimpico encounter viewed by many as a wooden spoon decider, even at this early stage. For Gatland, the clash against the Azzurri now is very much a must-win game.
“I can’t question the effort of the players,” said Gatland after the loss.
“They are disappointed. They realise though what a quality side they were up against.
“I don’t think it was a complete bad night at the office. There were times when we had them under pressure and didn’t capitalise.
“We started well, but when we look back, we have put ourselves under pressure at times by over-playing.
“It is probably the experience and tactical nous that is missing. It’s probably the understanding that international rugby is tight, particularly when you are playing a quality side like France.
“That is the game-management the players will learn from tonight.
“The players have worked hard over the last couple of weeks and the players are aware of how important next week is.
“We can’t hide away from that. We need to get the monkey off our back.
“We go to Nice tomorrow for the week, and that is going to be important for this group and working closely and continuing to make improvements.
“I thought there were some positives. Our scrum was good, some good defensive sets and where can we fix up and be game-smart to keep putting the opposition under pressure.
“When I look at the way the forwards kept carrying and defending, they gave everything. We need to make sure we are smart in terms of the way we play to get that win next week in Rome.”
[Lead image: Welsh Rugby Union]
