Le Mans secured another season in Ligue 1 as results elsewhere ultimately proved decisive on the final day of the season.
Arnaud Cornier's side began the day two points above the relegation zone and needing at least a draw to be sure of holding off St Etienne.
They duly secured that point at Lorient as St Etienne's 4-0 win over Valenciennes, coupled with Caen's defeat at home to champions Bordeaux, sealed Caen's relegation alongside Nantes and Le Havre.
Le Mans made the ideal start with the opening goal after 18 minutes at the Stade du Moustoir.
Gervinho released Thorstein Helstad down the right and his low shot left goalkeeper Fabien Audard with no chance.
The home side may have had nothing to play for but they equalised after 36 minutes through Michael Ciani, who climbed highest to meet a right-wing corner and power a header beyond Yohann Pele.
After a quiet start to the second half, Lorient created the first real chance on 58 minutes and were unlucky not to take the lead.
Ciani again was involved from an Ulrich Le Pen corner, his stunning header this time forcing Pele into a fine save as the goalkeeper pushed the ball onto the bar.
Le Mans were not content to play for the draw and pushed forward in search of a potential winner, Anthony Le Tallec setting up Gervinho for a header which was cleared by defender Benjamin Genton.
And Le Tallec himself had the chance to win it on 75 minutes only to shoot straight at Audard.
