The Floréal-class frigates were designed in response to a demand for a cheap warship capable of operating in low threat areas and able to perform general patrol functions.

As a result, the Floréal class were constructed to mercantile standards in the areas of ammunition stowage, helicopter facilities and damage control, which significantly lowered the cost of the vessels.

[2] However, at the end of the missile's life cycle in 2014, the launchers were removed as the French Navy did not intend to replace the capability aboard the ships.

[2] Ventôse was ordered as part of the second pair on 9 January 1990 from Chantiers de l'Atlantique for construction at their yard in Saint-Nazaire, France, and the keel was laid down on 28 June 1991.

[10] In June 2009, Ventôse took part in the recovery operation for the Air France Flight 447 which crashed some 960 kilometres (600 mi) off the northeast coast of Brazil.

[11] On 6 and 7 January 2012, Ventôse intercepted two sailboats, Jo Ann Moore and Sangria, 600 nautical miles (1,100 km; 690 mi) off Guadeloupe.

Lady Margaret was stopped without incident and the boarding party from Ventôse uncovered 524 kilograms (1,155 lb) of marijuana, which was destroyed.

[15] From October to November 2018, Ventôse trained with the Guyana Defence Force, then stopping at Belém, Brazil before spending the rest of the time off West Africa as part of Operation Corymbe, the permanent French mission to the Gulf of Guinea.

[17] In January 2023 the frigate intercepted a fishing vessel in the Caribbean and seized 320 kg (710 lb) of illegally trafficked cannabis.