His father was private secretary to Catherine de' Medici, his mother was a native of Blois.
After a liberal education Ménard entered the Order of St. Benedict, 3 February 1607, at St. Denis, and made his religious profession 10 September 1612.
After some time he was called to Paris, where he soon became a favourite preacher and frequently occupied the principal pulpits.
By word and deed he sought to induce his fellow religious to unite an exemplary life with love for study especially of Church history and patrology.
On account of failing health he was placed by his superiors in the abbey of St. Germain des Prés, where he lived in great seclusion.