Bridge and road (Ponts-et-Chaussées) engineer. In 1870, he took part in the defense of Metz, then directed the reconstruction and defense of the border. Responsible for various directorates at the Ministry of Public Works. General rapporteur of the 1889 Universal Exhibition, general commissioner of the 1900 one. In 1908 he was appointed Minister of the Navy, and in 1912 vice-president of the Council of State. Member of the Academy of Sciences