 Construction of "Vergniaud" was begun on 26 December 1906 by Forges et Chantiers de la Gironde in Bordeaux and the ship was laid down in November 1907.She was launched on 12 April 1909 and was completed on 18 December 1911 at cost of 55,247,307 francs.The ship was assigned to the First Division of the First Squadron ("escadre") of the Mediterranean Fleet when she was commissioned.