Nice moved above derby rivals Bastia and into the top half of the standings thanks to a 2-0 win at the Allianz Riviera.
Alexy Bosetti gave them an ideal start when he opened the scoring inside the opening few minutes and their hopes of victory were given a further boost when Bastia captain Yannick Cahuzac was given a red card for a rash aerial challenge on Albert Rafetraniaina.
The visitors did have their chances to level in a game of few clear-cut opportunities, but Neal Maupay got the final touch to Valentin Eysseric's shot in the 72nd minute to ensure Nice claimed all three points.
Rennes were plunged deeper into the relegation mire after going down 3-2 at home to Toulouse.
TFC were in control of the contest once Ola Toivonen's own goal was followed by Clement Chantome's deflected free-kick just before half-time.
When Rennes did hit back, through Nelson Oliviera, Toulouse took just five minutes to restore their two-goal cushion as Serge Aurier finished a flowing move.
Abdoulaye Doucoure tapped in a late consolation for Rennes, but it was not enough to prevent a third straight loss and left them just three points above third-bottom Valenciennes.
VA breathed fresh life into their survival prospects with a 1-0 win at fellow strugglers Evian, Abdul Waris turning in the game's only goal on 63 minutes.
Second-bottom Sochaux picked up only their sixth league win of the season on Saturday evening with a 2-0 home victory over Lorient.
Herve Renard's side took an early lead through Roy Contout and Stopilla Sunzu sealed matters with a second goal 10 minutes from time.
Guingamp moved seven points clear of the drop zone as they recorded a 2-1 win at basement boys Ajaccio.
Paul Lasne put the bottom team ahead in the eighth minute, but Mustapha Yatabare levelled five minutes later and Claudio Beauvue completed the turnaround late on.
