During the reign of Henri II he continued to receive career advancements, becoming Lieutenant general first of Champagne and Brie in 1553, and then the important border fortresses in the Piedmont in 1559.

[6] He participated in King Francis I of France's military campaigns in Champagne and Italy, including the famous Battle of Ceresole in 1544.

[4] Upon the ascension of the new king he was granted the title of Maréchal de camp in 1552, Lieutenant general in charge of the gouvernment of Champagne and Brie in 1553.

To ensure that the commissioners would be obeyed by local lords, Marshals Bourdillon, Vielleville and Montmorency were assigned super regions to oversee compliance.

[11] With the rise of Catholic religious leagues in violation of the edicts terms, Bourdillon was tasked in 1565 with leading an army into the Guyenne, to crush this rebellious movement.

[12] When the queen mother met with Alba during the Bayonne Conference in 1565 to discuss potential marriage proposals between the two kingdoms, Bourdillon accompanied her, and was involved in the negotiations.