Johnny Sexton conceded Ireland's display was not up to scratch after they went down 35-27 to France in Paris in their final Six Nations match.

Andy Farrell's side went into Saturday's clash at the Stade de France knowing a victory by at least seven points would secure their fifth Six Nations title.

However, Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack ran the show for France as they ended Ireland's hopes and England – who had seen off Italy in Rome – were crowned champions.

Sexton kicked 10 points, with Cian Healy, on his 100th cap, Robbie Henshaw and Jacob Stockdale getting Ireland's tries.

However, the 35-year-old insisted Ireland's display was not at the required level.

"I felt that they took their opportunities really well, sometimes off nothing, off our mistakes," Sexton said.

"We weren't there, we weren't good enough. We had good chances to score, a few chances five metres out.

"We went for a try [at the end of first half], a brave decision to go and get another try before half-time. We were very close but we weren't quite good enough. It's going to be tough to look at over the next week or so.

"We saw the other results, we knew we needed to win by more than six, or with a bonus point. We tried to make some brave calls, get some tries, because we knew there was some space there to be exploited but we weren't good enough to take it."

Ireland are next in action in the inaugural Autumn Nations Cup, starting their campaign against Wales on November 13.

"We're looking forward to a new competition, today's going to hurt," Sexton continued.

"We've got some important players to come back for us and some new players as well, so we're looking forward to getting them back and trying to bounce back from this disappointment."

Despite brilliant displays from half-backs Dupont and Ntamack, the Player of the Match award went to France number eight Gregory Alldritt, who attempted 24 tackles – all of which were successful.

"It was a tough game, they were coming to win the Six Nations. We focused only on winning this game, it was tough to win. We won, we're happy," said Aldritt, who had special praise for his opposite number CJ Stander.

"CJ Stander is a fantastic player. I was looking at him on TV four years ago with stars in my eyes. Great to play against him, what an incredible player."