The Lagrange-class submarines were constructed as part of the French fleet's expansion programmes from 1913 to 1914.

[1][2] The ships were designed by Julien Hutter, slightly modifying his previous project Dupuy de Lôme, using two Parsons steam turbines with a power of 2,000 hp (1,491 kW).

[3] During construction, the idea of steam propulsion was abandoned and the ships were instead equipped with diesel engines.

It was named in honor of the French astronomer and mathematician Pierre-Simon Laplace.

[6] From 1922 to 1923, Laplace underwent a major refit in which it received a new conning tower, bridge and periscope.