The first two units of this class, the Enseigne Roux and the Mécanicien Principal Lestin saw use during the war.

Two (Enseigne Roux and Mécanicien Principal Lestin) were ordered from Rochefort Dockyard to a standard design, while a third Enseigne Gabolde was ordered from the Le Havre shipyard of Normand to a modified design, with different machinery.

[2][a] Enseigne Gabolde was longer, and was fitted with geared steam turbines instead of direct-drive units.

[4] During the First World War, a 75 millimetres (3.0 in) anti-aircraft gun was added, with an anti-submarine armament of ten depth charges and a towed explosive sweep.

[2] Enseigne Roux and Mécanicien Principal Lestin were laid down in late 1913, launched in 1915 and completed in 1916.