He served in this role until April 20, 1695, at which time he returned to France to address family affairs.

Before leaving France, Lépinay sought and received the Cross of St. Louis, which, he argued, would increase his prestige in the eyes of the native tribes of the region.

Lépinay left France on board the ship "Ludlow", which he commanded, on December 21, and took office in February 1717.

However, Lepinay soon found himself at odds with Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, twice governor and an influential leader in the colony.

On May 18, 1720, he left the island of Aix en Atalanta to join his new government in Grenada, arriving on June 28.