There is little evidence about his childhood, but it is known that one of his brothers was executed for killing a member of the gentry, since La Primaudaye refers to his sadness over this event. In 1580 he was a gentilhomme de la chambre (gentleman of the bedchamber) for Francis, Duke of Anjou, the youngest son of king Henry II of France.
There is scant evidence regarding his youth, but it is known that one of his brothers was executed for murdering a member of the gentry, as La Primaudaye expresses his sorrow over this incident. In 1580 he served as a gentilhomme de la chambre (gentleman of the bedchamber) to Francis, Duke of Anjou, the youngest son of King Henry II of France.