In 1651, he followed Condé into rebellion but came back into the service of the king in 1657, with the title of lieutenant-general.

He played a major part in the conquest of Franche-Comté and was named by Louis XIV governor of that province and marshal in 1675.

In 1689, he took part in the destruction of the Palatinate during the War of the Grand Alliance.

The Duc de Saint-Simon, who married his niece, speaks highly of him in his memoirs and notes that he was in such favour with Louis XIV that he "could more or less say what he pleased".

His wife was the sister-in-law of Charlotte de La Mothe Houdancourt, and aunt of the Duchess of Rohan-Rohan.