[1] Motard helped organise the naval component of the Napoleonic Campaign in Egypt, and took part in the Battle of the Nile aboard the flagship Orient.
He evacuated her before she exploded, but sustained severe injuries and was taken prisoner by the British.
After he was released, Motard served as staff officer to Ganteaume, taking part in operations in Saint Domingue.
On 8 June 1806, Sémillante captured the East Indiamen Acteon, Warren Hastings, and Active.
From 4 January 1811, he headed the École spéciale de Marine in Toulon.