Du Petit-Thouars frequently travelled to Algeria, and had a decisive role in the conquest of Algiers, where he developed the attack plans.

Also on board were the hydrographer Urbain Dortet of Tessan, the doctor-naturalist Adolphe Simon Neboux, and the surgeon Charles René Augustin Léclancher.

He published an account in 1840 with the title Voyage around the world on the frigate Venus during the years 1836-1839 (French: Voyage autour du monde sur la frégate "la Vénus" pendant les années 1836-1839); the book contained maps of the ports visited.

Relations between France and Great Britain soured considerably during the reign of Louis-Philippe, due to this so-called "Pritchard Affair".

He had no children, but adopted the son of his sister, known as Abel-Nicolas Bergasse du Petit-Thouars, who also became an Admiral, and played an important role during the Boshin War in Japan.