He started to explore the natural life around his home town in 1848, at the age of twelve, together with his friend and botanist André Songeon [es] (1826–1905).
He worked as a physician during the 1859 Second Italian War of Independence, for which he received the Medal of Italy.
During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71, he served in the 4th Corps of the Army of the Rhine, for which he was appointed Knight of the Legion of Honor.
In 1852, the parents of both young men considered their enthusiasm so excessive, that they decided to restrict their relationship.
They stopped meeting in their home town Chambéry, but went on excursions in the mountains regularly.