Tonnant was the flagship of Louis XV's fleet, and thus served as Admiral vessel to Marquis de l'Estenduère during the Second battle of Cape Finisterre in 1747.

Partly dismasted, she escaped by being towed by the Intrépide of Vaudreuil, who crossed British lines to secure the ship.

The Tonnant also participated at the Battle of Quiberon Bay in 1759; on board was the Chevalier de Bauffremont.

She was refurbished in 1770, and participated in the campaign of Admiral Estaing in America in 1778–1779 including the attack on Newport in 1778 and the Battle of Grenada on 6 July 1779.

This article about a specific military ship or boat of France is a stub.