Berne-Bellecour, along with his brother-in-law Jehan Georges Vibert, produced a comedic play titled "La Tribune Mecanique" which was performed at the Palais Royal in 1862. He showcased his works at several Salons in the 1860s and later.
He won a recompense for photography at the Universal Exposition of 1867. In 1868, Vibert encouraged Berne-Bellecour to devote himself entirely to painting.
Berne-Bellecour, Vibert, Alexander Louis Leloir, and Edouard Detaille went on a trip to Africa in 1870, later returning to serve in the Franco-Prussian War.