He was a staunch defender of the French monarchy, and at the outbreak of the Revolution, resigned his command and retired to his château at Saint-Florent-le-Vieil.
Shortly before the revolution broke out, Bonchamps feared for his king and country and requested to be reinstated.
He died the next day.
His last act was the pardoning of five thousand Republican prisoners, whom his troops had sworn to kill in revenge for his death.