Chimère was ordered as a privateer by the Chamber of commerce of Marseille on 18 October 1756.

[1] On 13 April 1778, Chimère departed Toulon, under Saint-Césaire, as part of a squadron under Admiral d'Estaing Sagittaire, along with Languedoc, Tonnant, César, Zélé, Hector, Guerrier, Marseillais, Protecteur, Vaillant, Provence and Fantasque.

[3][1] She fought at the Battle of St. Lucia on 15 December 1778, where she was tasked to bombard the British battery on the Southern peninsula, along with the 50-gun Sagittaire.

[4] On 9 June 1779, Vengeur and Sagittaire, along with the frigates Chimère and Aimable, departed for Martinique under Brach as a distraction to cover Du Rumain's departure, who was sailing for his Capture of Saint Vincent with Lavely, Lys and four transports.

[5] On 8 July 1778, she was at Sandy Hook, and was sent to Philadelphia to ferry Ambassador Rayneval.