Originally a centre, he played for RC Massy, Stade Français, and then eight seasons for Toulon with whom he won three European Cups and a French Championship.

He had previously declared his wish to leave and with Stade Francais suffering major financial difficulties, (which saw them come close to being relegated) his wish was eventually granted.

[7] On 18 April 2020, Bastareaud returned to France to join Lyon back in the Top 14 on a two-year contract beginning in the 2020–21 season.

Bastareaud was included in the French tour to New Zealand and Australia in June 2009, but returned to France early after sustaining facial injuries.

Bastareaud subsequently stated that he had been drunk and had sustained the injuries after tripping over a table in his hotel room, and that he had concocted the original story in order to avoid getting in trouble with team management.

Following the initial assault allegation, international media speculated on New Zealand's security and suitability as a tourist destination and host country [citation needed], especially leading into the 2011 Rugby World Cup, spurring New Zealand Prime Minister John Key to issue an official apology for the incident.

[14][15] Pierre Camou, President of the French Rugby Federation has referred the case to their Disciplinary Committee and asked them to investigate.

Bastareaud had not made it onto the international field since he started in the 2015 Rugby World Cup quarter final, where the French lost to New Zealand 62–13.

Bastareaud continued his return with good form and he ended up captaining France for the first time on 17 March 2018 during a 13–14 loss to Wales.