He served with his regiment in the Crimean War (1853-1856), where he was took part in the Siege of Sevastopol (1854–55), including the battles of Balaclava (25 October 1854), Inkerman (5 November 1854), and Tchernaïa (16 August 1855). He was promoted to brevet lieutenant-colonel in December 1854, for his part in the campaign, and received the French Legion d'Honneur. Promotion to the substantive rank of major followed on 26 February 1858, to the rank of colonel on 23 April 1860, to the rank of major-general on 6 March 1868, to the rank of lieutenant-general on 1 October 1877, and to the rank of general on 1 July 1881, the same year he retired from active service.