Lyon held on to edge out relegation-threatened Nantes at the Stade de la Beaujoire.
Rudi Garcia's side looked to be well on their way to a crucial three points courtesy of Memphis Depay's first-half double.
Defender Nicolas Pallois gave Nantes hope in the 61st minute, but Lyon closed out the win to leave the Canaries second-bottom, three points behind Nimes in the relegation play-off spot and four points from guaranteed safety.
Elsewhere, fifth-placed Lens moved a point clear of Marseille in the race for European qualification with a 1-1 draw at Brest, while bottom club Dijon staved off relegation for another week with a 2-0 win over Nice.