Born in Suresnes near Paris, Laurent Jouanneau first studied the violin under Maryvonne Le Dièzes but quickly showed a preference for the viola. He became principal viola player with the Orchestre Jean Paillard and then with the Orchestre Symphonique Français before joining the « Octuor de France » in 1991.

He divides his time between playing with the « Octuor de France » and teaching the viola.