Perrier was born at Valleraugue (Gard), descended from a family of Protestants, of Cevennes. After finishing his studies at the Lyceum of Nimes and at St. Barbe College, he was admitted to the Polytechnic School in 1853, leaving in 1857 as a staff officer. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1857, captain in 1860, major of cavalry in 1874, lieutenant-colonel in 1879, and he received his brigadier-general's star the year before his death. He was commander of the Légion d'honneur and president of the council-general of his department.