She took part in the First Battle of Groix and in the Battle of Groix. On 22 April 1796, Virginie was cruising off Ireland under captain Jacques Bergeret when she encountered a British squadron under Commodore Edward Pellew, comprising the 44-gun HMS Indefatigable and the frigates Argo, Concord, Révolutionnaire, HMS Amazon and their prize Unité, captured on 13 April. She was subsequently recommissioned in the Royal Navy as HMS Virginie.