son of Robert, count of Clermont, and Beatrix of Bourbon, who was made duke of Bourbon by Charles IV of France in 1327. He took part in several military campaigns, including those at Courtrai (1302) and Mons-en-Pévèle (1304), and twice was put at the head of proposed crusades that never took place. He was made the king's grand chamberlain in 1310.