His father, who was a tailor, had a certain facility for making doggerel verses, which he sang or recited at fairs and other such gatherings; Jacques, who generally accompanied him, was thus early familiarized with the role of the poet.

His poetic gift, as well as his fluent voice and fluid bearing, fitted him admirably for this double role of troubadour and jongleur.

A verse from his poem, "The Third of May", written in honour of Henry IV of France, and published in the first volume of Papillotos, is engraved on the base of the statue erected to that king at Nérac.

[1] He spent the latter years of his life on a small estate which he had bought near Agen and named Papillotos, and which he describes in "Ma Bigno" ("My Vine").

Though invited to represent his native city, he refused to do so, preferring the pleasures and leisure of a country life; wisely judging that he was no really eligible candidate for electoral honours.