Officer in the French service. Led a distinguished military career. Mestre de camp in the regiment of Clermont (1740). Promoted to brigadier (1747). Received the Croix de Saint- Louis (1748). Served in Germany during the first years of the Seven Years’ War. Maréchal de camp (1758). Lieutenant general (1762). Pair de France (1782). Chevalier du Saint- Esprit (1784). Corresponded with Rousseau.

Eldest son of Gaspard, duc de Clermont- Tonnere, senior marshal of France. Married in 1741 to Anne-Julie Le Tonnelier de Breteuil.