A staunch defender of Catholic rights, he opposed secularist policies in France and played a significant role in promoting social Catholicism.

Turinaz was consecrated as Bishop of Tarentaise on January 10, 1873, succeeding François Gros.

As bishop, Turinaz opposed France's anti-clerical policies, including the 1905 French law on the Separation of the Churches and the State and the modernist movement.

In 1902, he published "Les Périls de la foi et de la discipline" and "Encore quelques mots sur ces Périls" in 1903, warning against threats to Catholic doctrine[6].

During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of several churches, including the Bassilicas of the Sacred Heart and Our Lady of Lourdes, both in Nancy.