Friron was born on 7 February 1766 in Vandieres in what later became Meurthe department in eastern France. He joined the French Royal Army in 1782 as a volunteer. After the start of the French Revolutionary Wars he was promoted to chef de bataillon (major) in 1794. He became an adjutant general chef de brigade (colonel) on 9 March 1797. He fought in Switzerland and later in Italy under Barthélemy Louis Joseph Schérer. He served as chief of staff to Jacques Maurice Hatry at the Battle of Verona on 26 March 1799 and the Battle of Magnano on 5 April. After fighting on the Rhine in 1799, Jean Victor Marie Moreau nominated him for promotion. His appointment as general of brigade came through on 17 July 1800. Subsequently he fought at the Battle of Hohenlinden on 3 December 1800.