He was educatated at the Seminary of Angers where he earned doctorates in theology and canon law.

After his ordination he served as the vicar in the parish of Saint-Lambert, Angers and was chaplain of the church of San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome from 1873 until 1875.

In 1914, during his episcopate, the Cathedral of Reims was destroyed when struck by 288 shells in the first three months of World War I.

[1][2] He was created Cardinal-Priest of S. Maria Nuova by Pope Pius X in the consistory of 16 December 1907.

During World War I he symbolised the victims of the German attack when, in spite of the destruction of his cathedral, he remained in Reims until April 1918.