The Northern Squadron initially held its own maneuvers in Brest, which included a simulated blockade of the squadron in Brest, after which the squadron made mock attacks on the island of Belle Île and nearby Quiberon. In early July, the squadron met the Mediterranean Squadron off Lisbon, Portugal before the two units steamed north to Quiberon Bay and entered Brest on 9 July. Masséna and the rest of the Northern Squadron were tasked with attacking Cherbourg two days later.
The Northern Squadron initially conducted drills in Brest, simulating a blockade of the squadron. Following this, they carried out mock attacks on Belle Île and Quiberon Island. In early July, the squadron met the Mediterranean Squadron off Lisbon before heading north to Quiberon Bay and entering Brest on July 9th. Two days later, Masséna and the rest of the Northern Squadron were tasked with attacking Cherbourg.