In his memoirs, he describes himself as a gentle man who could not win the affection of his father, who had high hopes placed upon another of his sons.
In 1643, wanting to serve under one of his uncles, he applied for a patent of aide he thought he deserved it, it was however refused.
Deprived of his support, he turned to his uncle, Henri Arnauld, abbot of Saint-Nicolas, and he followed him to Rome where the priest was sent in 1645.
In 1674, Louis XIV conferred on him the abbey of Chaumes-en-Brie[1] which was to his liking because it was in the vicinity of the properties his family.
Upon the disgrace of his brother, he withdrew to the residency of the bishop of Angers, in whom he entrusted the administration.