His career ended when he took part in the 1961 Algiers putsch against the French government.
He was a graduate from Saint-Cyr Military Academy and fought in World War II.
Bréchignac was given command of the 2nd Battalion of the 1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment (1er RCP), which arrived in Indochina on 17 January 1953, taking part in several airborne operations, most notable the Battle of Dien Bien Phu.
Bréchignac was captured at the end of the battle; he was amongst the minority that survived Viet Minh captivity.
He took part in the 1961 Algiers putsch against the French government, when it failed he was sentenced to two years' imprisonment on 26 June.