In September 2010, Beijing International Studies University signed the Confucius Institute Implementation Agreement with the Municipal Government of Clermont-Ferrand of France. On March 4, 2011, the university held an inauguration ceremony for the Confucius Institute in Clermont-Ferrand. The Confucius Institute is located in St. Joan of Arc Secondary School.

The Confucius Institute in Clermont-Ferrand arranged 22 Chinese language courses for the 136 students in 2021. The institute not only recruits students itself, but also offers credit courses for local universities. There are four classes with 38 students in each, roughly the same number as the previous academic year. Valérie Bey-Smith, the institute's French president, left office on 31 October, 2020. Till now the French Council has not yet filled the vacancy. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the institute's Chinese president has been fully responsible for administration, teaching, finance, external exchanges and cultural activities of the institute.

The Confucius Institute carries out various cultural activities, among which, the series of Spring Festival have obtained the attention and coverage of local media (including newspapers and radio stations). La Montagne, a major local newspaper, covered the traditional Chinese festival and all the activities organized by the Confucius Institute in the city.