PSG, who took their French Cup tally to six, had secured a direct Champions League spot by finishing second in Ligue 1 so Chateauroux went into the final knowing they would get a UEFA Cup berth next season.

However, the Parisians were desperate to lift their first trophy since winning both the French Cup and League Cup in 1998.

They struggled throughout the game to make the breakthrough against a bold Chateauroux side, but were rewarded for their persistence 20 minutes into the second half courtesy of a fine header by Pauleta.

The prolific Portuguese striker, who missed his national team's Euro 2004 warm-up against Luxemburg to play in the Stade de France final, proved decisive once again.

"It's been a long time since PSG won anything. We have been rewarded for our efforts," captain Frederic Dehu told French television.

Dehu, strongly tipped to join arch-rivals Olympique Marseille during the close season, was booed by the PSG fans.

"This is a shame, we thought our fans were behind us. Booing like this is a shame. Fred is a gentleman," said team mate Fabrice Fiorese, who refused to celebrate with the crowd.

"We had qualified for the Champions League but this was not the (Ligue 1) title," added Dehu.

"We are all a bit tired but the boys did everything to win this Cup," said coach Vahid Halilhodzic.

Ligue 2 side Chateauroux, who had been briefed by France rugby coach Bernard Laporte, started gallantly only for forward David Vandenbossche to miss the target after three minutes.

PSG then took control with Pauleta a permanent threat to the Chateauroux rearguard.