Before the French Revolution

On May 1, 1769, Chambarlhac enlisted as a soldier in the Régiment d'Auvergne at age 15. On March 26, 1770, he became sub-lieutenant, and left the service four years later on January 1, before returning to service in 1791.

French Revolutionary Wars

Chambarlhac commanded the 1st Volunteer Battalion of Haute-Loire on June 21, 1792. He served with the Armée des Alpes, commanded by Kellermann, in 1792. In Prairial, year II (1795), he was chief of the 117th semi-brigade of the first formation. Later on 26 Ventôse, year IV, he was the brigadier chief of the 75th semi-brigade of the second formation.

In year IV, as colonel, he fought with Napoleon Bonaparte in 1796–97. He fought in the battle of Arcole in Italy under Napoleon, and participated in the Siege of Kehl. Chambarlhac later returned to Italy in 1799 and fought in the Battle of Verona, serving with Schérer.

French Consulate

During the Republican Year VIII (1799–1800), the Consular Government sent Chambarlhac into the Vendée against the Chouans, as described in a letter addressed to the first Consul on 8 Pluviôse by Lefebvre (commander of the 15th and 17th military divisions).

Chambarlhac took part in the Battle of Marengo under the command of General Victor. In year X (1800–1801), he was commander of the Fortress of Mainz, and later the 13th military division. On 19 Frimaire, year XII (1802), the first consul nominated him a member of the Legion of Honour and on 25 Prairial, commander of the Order and elector of the Haute-Loire department.

First French Empire

Chambarlhac commanded the 24th Military Division at Ghent during the ultimately unsuccessful Walcheren Campaign. He was created Baron of the Empire on August 30, 1811. In early 1813, while commander at Brussels, Chambarlhac formed a special corps for soldiers who were separated from their units, and rejoined the army in Saxony.

After the Fall of Paris in 1814, he submitted to the French Provisional Government of 1814. Louis XVIII nominated him the Knight of the Order of Saint Louis on August 21, 1814 and mayor of the village of Ablon (now known as Ablon-sur-Seine).

After the second Bourbon Restoration, he retired from public office. He died in Paris on February 3, 1826.