The design of the Tempête-class coast-defense ships was based on that of the British breastwork monitors Glatton and Rupert.

The engine was rated at 2,000 indicated horsepower (1,500 kW)[3] and was intended to give the ships a top speed of 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph).

The ships carried enough coal to give them a range of 1,103 nautical miles (2,043 km; 1,269 mi) at a speed of 5 knots (9.3 km/h; 5.8 mph).

[2] The Tempêtes carried their main battery of two Canon de 274 mm (10.8 in) Modèle 1875 guns in a single twin-gun turret, forward of the superstructure.

The armored breastwork supporting the superstructure and the turret was 40 meters (131 ft 3 in) long and was also 330 mm thick.