The ironclad played a minor role in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–1871, blockading the Baltic and North Sea coasts of Prussia.

The Provence class was designed as an enlarged version of the Gloire-class ironclads with thicker armor, more powerful guns, and better seakeeping qualities.

[2] The Provence-class ships carried enough coal to allow them to steam for 2,410 nautical miles (4,460 km; 2,770 mi) at a speed of 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph).

[1] Gauloise, named after an inhabitant of Gaul,[6] was ordered on 16 November 1860 from the Arsenal de Brest, laid down on 24 January 1861 and launched on 26 April 1865.

Bouët-Williaumez was ordered on 2 August to split his forces with half, including Gauloise, proceeding into the Baltic Sea to blockade the Prussian ports there under his command and the others to return to the Bight.

By October Rear Admiral Ernest Fauque de Jonquières had relieved Jaurès, but the ship was reduced to reserve the following month.

Returning to active service on 18 April 1877, Gauloise was reassigned to the Squadron of Evolutions and became the flagship of Rear Admiral Laurent Lejeune.