Completed in 1902, the ship was assigned to the Mediterranean Squadron and remained there for the duration of her career, frequently serving as a flagship. She participated in the annual fleet manoeuvres and made many visits to French ports in the Mediterranean. In 1907, while docked for repairs, 120 people died and Iéna was badly damaged by a magazine explosion that was probably caused by the decomposition of old Poudre B propellant.