Built between 1843 and 1845, Clorinde was launched as a traditional frigate, bearing between 40 and 46 guns.

In 1856, she was transformed in Cherbourg with the addition of an 804-shp steam engine and a retractable propeller, to be launched as a steam frigate on 23 May 1857.

In 1868, she was sent to Cadiz to watch over French interests in the turmoil of the Glorious Revolution.

[1] Decommissioned in 1875, she was reactivated in 1886 and appointed to the Terre-Neuve division.

[1] Very much outdated, Clorinde was struck from the Navy lists in 1888, hulked, and used as barracks in Lorient until 1911.