Renaud took the Cross and joined the First Crusade in the army of Hugh the Great, Count of Vermandois, brother of Philip I of France.
Hugh led a small army that travelled by ship, in an armada commanded by Arnout II, Count of Aarschot, to the Holy Land.
In addition to Ranaud, some of the prominent members of Hugh's army included[2] Stephen of Aumale, Walter of Domart-en-Ponthieu (St.-Valery), Alan IV Fregant, Duke of Brittany, Walo II of Chaumont-en-Vexin, Girard I of Roussillon, and William V, Lord of Montpellier.
Rainaud also joined Hugh in the Battle of Dorylaeum whose forces were at the rear of the main attack.
Rainaud mounted with his shield and lance, and killed the Turk outright, keeping his horse, much to the delight of the Franks.