In 1673 he led a squadron in the North Sea and fought Michiel de Ruyter in 1675.

One year later, after the failure of this expedition, he evacuated the French army as well as 18.000 Irish.

He was made vice-admiral in 1701, and commanded the French fleet during the Battle of Vigo Bay (1702).

His only son, Louis Emmanuel, also pursued a career in the French Navy.

A number of ships of the French navy have been named Châteaurenault in his honour.