He is a native of Rouanne, where he was born in 1756. His family is what the French call noble -- that is, one that has always subsisted on its hereditary possessions, or on either of the two genteel professions, the church and the sword. His early choice was the sea, and be served on that element until the noblesse of Forez returned him to the States-General in 1789. But during the revolutionary reign he attracted little notice. In 1793 he was imprisoned because he belonged to the proscribed order; but a change in the government restored him to freedom. He then retired from public affairs, nor did he think it safe to return to them until the establishment of the consular power.

The diplomatic career being the only one which suited either the talents or the disposition of Champagny, he soon obtained the embassy to Vienna. From that time (1801) to the abdication of 1814, he was incessantly employed in fulfilling the instructions of the emperor. Never master had a more devoted or less scrupulous servant. As minister of the interior, from 1804 to 1807, he zealously forwarded the conscriptions rendered necessary by the destructive wars of the empire, and unhesitatingly carried into execution the most unpopular designs of the despot. As minister for foreign affairs (1807-11) he heartily assisted in the enforcement of the continental system: in many cases his conduct was such as in private life would have led him to the gallows. Perfidy, injustice, spoliation, in the worst acceptation of those terms, distinguished his acts, or, let us rather say, those which he was the instrument of executing. Notwithstanding all the devotion which he had evinced, he was deprived of his portfolio in 1811, and entrusted with the management of the imperial domains. If he had reason to regret the loss of power, he might console himself with his new lucrative post, with the riches he had amassed, and the ducal title of Cadore.

When the emperor abdicated, he sent in his adhesion to the new order of things, and was created a peer by Louis. But such had been his unprincipled career as a minister, that he saw no prospect of obtaining the favour of an honorable government. He plotted for the restoration of Napoleon, and during the Hundred Days he again superintended the domains of the crown. For this he lost his peerage on the second return of Louis; but in 1819 that dignity was restored to him, as it was to many others who had exhibited equal treachery.

If the infamy of originating the worst measures cannot be imputed to the Duke of Cadore, that of executing them is enough. His abilities are, perhaps, considerable; but he is destitute of enlarged views, and is chiefly remarkable for his profound dissimulation.