Guide-lecturer: conditions of access and exercise in France

Verified 17 June 2025 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

  • Technical and regulated life profession
  • Professional or salaried activity
  • EPA Code : 79.90.20 / European NACE Code : 79.90.20
  • Social contributions : Urssaf: titleContent
  • Retirement : Cnav: titleContent
  • Health insurance : general social security scheme (CPAM: titleContent).

Definition

The tour guide is a professional whose mission is to provide guided tours (conferences, educational activities), in French or in a foreign language, in the museums of France and historical monuments. Its role is to promote heritage by developing cultural mediation activities for audiences in heritage areas and places.

This profession therefore requires great knowledge of the territory (political, social, cultural, artistic, tourist history), but also specific knowledge such as mastery of communication techniques. The guide-lecturer has relational qualities and a sense of pedagogy. It is widely available and adaptable to the expectations of visitors, and is easily expressed in one or more foreign languages.

Tour operators and tour operators are obliged to use tour guides for guided tours of museums and historical monuments as part of the services they market.

Access

The profession of tour guide is regulated. You have to fill out conditions training/qualification and nationality in order to be able to obtain the professional guide-lecturer card.

If these conditions are not filled, the practice of the profession of tour guide shall be illegal. The paid exercise of this profession without holding the professional guide card shall be sanctioned by a fine of €450 (natural persons) or €2,250 (legal persons).

The conditions for training and qualification depend on the State in which the certification or diploma for the profession of tour guide has been obtained :

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In France

The professional guide card shall be issued to persons holding a certification or diploma at least at the level of a license.

The professional guide card can be requested by the holders of:

  • Either the professional license of a tour guide
  • Or the national diploma of national interpreter guide
  • Either a diploma conferring the degree of master having validated a teaching unit (EU) "competences of tour guides", an EU "situational awareness and professional practice" and an EU in a living language other than French. The person must hold a descriptive annex to his diploma mentioning the validation of these teaching units or a certificate issued by an authorized higher education institution certifying the validation of the teaching units.
  • Either a diploma conferring the degree of master and proving at least 1 year of professional experience accumulated in the last 5 years in oral mediation of heritage, and having at least level C1 in a foreign living language, a regional language of France or the French sign language.

The fields of activities which may be taken into account for professional experience in oral mediation of assetsare:

  • Facilitators and speakers from cities and countries of history
  • National Interpreter Guide
  • Regional Interpreter Guide
  • Local interpreter guide
  • Final auxiliary guide
  • Oral mediator or signed language of collections and architectures within a group in a room or workshop within heritage institutions
  • Oral Ombudsman on natural heritage
  • Teachers providing practical lessons in oral heritage mediation through professional licenses and master's courses for tour guides.

In another State

The conditions of training and qualification differ depending on whether the person wishes to practice in France permanently or temporarily.

Permanent exercise (free establishment)

People wishing to to settle in France as a guide-lecturer and respecting the nationality condition can obtain the professional card of guide-lecturer:

  • Or if they have a evidence of formal qualifications obtained in a Member State of theEU (EU) certifying regulated training specifically for the practice of the profession of tour guide
  • Or if they have a diploma, certificate or other evidence of formal qualifications enabling a person to pursue his activity in a professional capacity in a Member State of the EU or theEuropean Economic Area (EEA), regulating the taking up or pursuit of the profession. The diploma, certificate or other evidence of formal qualifications must have been awarded:
    • or by the competent authority of an EU or EEA State. The evidence of formal qualifications must then justify that the applicant's training was mainly acquired in the EU or the EEA.
    • or by a third country, provided that a certificate is provided from the competent authority of the EU or EEA Member State which has recognized the diploma, certificate or other evidence of formal qualifications. The certificate must certify that the holder has actually pursued the activity in his territory in a professional capacity for a period of at least three years.
  • Either if they have practiced full-time or part-time for an equivalent period, the activity of a tour guide for at least one year in the preceding 10 years, in one or more EU or EEA Member States which do not regulate the taking up or pursuit of the activity. The holder must then hold one or more certificates of competence or one or more evidence of formal qualifications. These certificates or evidence of formal qualifications must have been issued by a competent authority in that State and must attest to the applicant's preparation for the activity of a tour guide.

The prefect verifies these elements following the submission of the application file for a professional card.

Where he finds that the applicant's training differs significantly from the qualifications laid down in France for the exercise of the profession of tour guide, the prefect may require the applicant, in order to authorize him to exercise:

  • Or to submit to a aptitude test. The meeting is then organized within 6 months of the notification of the Prefect's decision.
  • Or to accomplish a adaptation period of a maximum duration of 3 years and subject to evaluation.

The applicant must then make known his choice between the aptitude test and the adaptation period within 2 months.

Please note

To challenge the non-recognition of the speaker guide's diploma, a appeal may be deposited on the european platform Solvit.

Submit a complaint to Solvit

Temporary exercise (freedom to provide services)

Persons of a nationality permitting the exercise of the profession of tour guide and lawfully exercising the regulated profession of tour guide or speaker in a Member State of the EU or theEEEmay exercise that profession temporarily and occasionally in France (‘freedom to provide services’).

However, where the profession of interpreter-guide or speaker or the training leading to it is not regulated in the State in which the person pursues that profession, the temporary pursuit of the profession is possible subject to the following conditions: the person must have pursued that profession in an EU or EEA Member State for at least one year, full-time or part-time for an equivalent total duration, during the 10 years which precede the freedom to provide services.

In order to be able to perform the freedom to provide services, the trader must indicate in French the professional title which he holds in the Member State of the EU or theEEE in which he is established or his evidence of formal qualifications in documents intended for third parties, whatever the medium. It must indicate this title to the persons who use its services, as well as to the person in charge of the museum or historic monument visited.

Please note

Master's degree (level C1) in a foreign living language, a regional language of France or the French sign language is mandatory to practice the profession of tour guide.

The profession of tour guide may be exercised by holders of a French certification irrespective of their nationality.

As regards holders of a certification obtained outside France, the exercise of the profession is reserved to the following persons:

  • Nationality French
  • Nationals of another Member State of the European Union (EU)
  • Nationals of another State Party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA).

Persons eligible to practice the profession of tour guide shall be persons holding the professional guide card.

No badge is issued with the professional guide card. The card itself can be used as a badge.

You have to apply to get it before you can practice in France.

Preparation of the application file

Applicants for a professional guide card must provide the following information when applying:

  • Personal information: surname, first name, date and place of birth, nationality, postal address, email address, telephone number
  • Copy of the evidence of formal qualifications (diploma, certificate, etc.) justifying the card application
  • Copy of a valid ID
  • Recent photo ID
  • Proof of domicile
  • Any copies of other documents requested (as applicable):
    • Descriptive annex to the diploma or certificate of the transcript justifying the validation of the teaching units ‘competences of tour guides’, ‘situational awareness and professional practice’, ‘living language other than French’
    • Any document proving professional experience (employer’s certificate detailing the nature and duration of the assignments, employment contract, or, for sole proprietors : paid invoices or pay slips) of 1 year accumulated in the last 5 years in oral mediation of assets.
    • Any document justifying level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages in a foreign living language, a regional language of France or the French sign language.
  • Application letter setting out, if any, the specific terms that may appear on the card (linguistic, scientific or cultural).

One CV: titleContent may be requested.

All documents must be written in French or translated into French by a translator.

FYI  

Some prefectures allow the transmission of this information and documents via an online service or a form. It is recommended to get closer to your local prefecture to find out.

The particulars may appear on the professional card are of 2 kinds:

  • Linguistic : mother tongue, regional and foreign languages (there is no limit on the number of languages to be included). However, a foreign nationality or a dual nationality allows the recording of the foreign language relating to the nationality without justification by a diploma or certification.
  • Scientific and cultural : a reference to a specialty of a higher education diploma (examples: history of art, history, archeology, architecture, etc.) up to a maximum of 3 references.

They must be related to the professional activity pursued and must be duly substantiated (diploma, specific certification, exam transcripts, etc.).

There is no obligation to include any specific information on the card.

As business cards are permanent, a request for a change of specific endorsement does not necessarily justify the issue of a new card.

The addition of a special mention on a professional card after the application is accepted on presentation of proof.

Submit request

The service to be contacted depends on the applicant's place of residence. The applicant shall reside:

In France

The professional guide card is issued to persons residing in France by the prefect of the department where they are established.

Where the applicant has no professional activity, the competent prefect shall be that of the place where the applicant is domiciled.

Who shall I contact
Abroad

The professional guide card is issued by the Prefect of Paris to persons residing abroad.

The pursuit of the profession in France must be carried out under a French professional title corresponding to the training of the European national: ‘guide-lecturer’, ‘guide-interpreter’ or ‘lecturer’. In cases where the professional title of the national does not exist in France, he must mention his qualification in French when he exercises.

The prefect shall inform the applicant of any missing documents, if any, within one month of receipt of the request. He shall acknowledge receipt of the business card application file when it is complete.

The prefect pronounces within 2 months from the date of receipt of the complete application file. The business card is then sent to the applicant.

In case of silence kept by the prefect for more than 2 months, the applicant can consider that his application is validated and that he has obtained his professional card.

Please note

The application procedure and the issuing of the card are free.

Card validity

The professional guide card is permanent, so there is no validity period.

It is valid throughout France and can be used to prove his professional qualification in any EU Member State.

The professional card can be used to justify its professional qualification in any EU Member State. Holders will, however, have to check with the authorities of the Member State that the holding of the card is sufficient to exercise it within the framework of the freedom to provide services.

Verification of the information contained on the business card

The professional guide card has 2 panels.

The particulars printed on 1è page of 1er The components are:

  • ‘French Republic’
  • References to relevant ministries
  • "Speaker Guide"
  • ‘Permanent validity’
  • ‘Card number: [followed by the card number]’ (The card number consists of the two letters CG, of seven digits followed by a letter, making it possible to identify respectively: the year of issue, the department, the serial number of issue in the year and the nature of the administrative authority that issued them).

The particulars printed on 2è page of 1er The components are:

  • Holder Photo Location and Official Stamp
  • ‘Signature of the holder: [signature]’
  • ‘Specific terms: [any terms]’ (if any, the terms may be linguistic, scientific or cultural).

The particulars printed on 1e page of 2e The components are:

  • ‘Name: [name]’
  • ‘First name: [first name]’
  • ‘Born: [date of birth]’
  • ‘To: [place of birth]’
  • ‘Nationality: [nationality]’
  • ‘Done at [place], on: [date]’
  • ‘Issued by: [name of the prefecture which issued it]’
  • Signature of the Prefect

The particulars printed on 2e page of 2e The components are:

  • ‘The holder of this card is authorized to conduct guided visits to museums in France as defined in Title IV of Book IV of the French Heritage Code and historical monuments as defined in Title II of Book IV of the French Heritage Code in accordance with the laws and regulations in force’
  • ‘The holder of this card shall be exempt from admission fees for visits to museums in France as defined in Title IV of Book IV of the Heritage Code and to historic monuments as defined in Title II of Book IV of the Heritage Code’
  • ‘This card shall be presented at any check’.

Please note

The applicant for the professional card may request the entry of particulars relating to the pursuit of the profession. These particulars shall appear on the professional card in the light of the particulars given in the documents submitted by the applicant to justify their entry.

One fine of €450 (natural persons) or €2,250 (legal persons) is provided for the practice, for remuneration, of the activity of a tour guide using a non-compliant business card.

(infographic to come)

Exercise

The first points concern the professional self-employed and do not apply directly to the employee. The obligations of theemployer to its employees.

The choice of a legal form (or legal status) of the company is a decisive step.

It determines the operating rules of the company, but it also has implications for the tax system and social protection.

There are two main legal forms:

  • VID (EI) : allows the exercise of his activity alone and in his own name. The Head of company and the single person. Micro-company (or self-company) is a simplified tax and social system.
  • Business : allows an activity to be carried on in a legal entity distinct from the Head of company. It has the legal personality, i.e. it has its own legal existence (share capital, name, registered office, etc.).

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(including micro-entrepreneur)

The creation of a company (EI) involves few formalities (no drawing up of statutes, no formation of share capital and associates, etc.) and enables it to start its business quickly. The assets of the individual entrepreneur (EI), including those of the micro-entrepreneur, are automatically separated into professional and personal assets.

FYI  

For more information, see the fact sheet on the separation of professional and personal assets.

Taxation and social security systems of the

The sole trader is subject to income tax (IR), in the category corresponding to his activity (BIC: titleContent,NBC: titleContent , BA: titleContent..).

However, it is possible to opt for the actual taxation system or even for thebusiness tax (IS).

The sole trader is covered by the Social Security scheme for self-employed persons. He has the status of self-employed worker (SST). He does not pay social security contributions during at least 90 days which follow the beginning of its activity.

Our factsheet on social protection for traders and craftsmen details the contributions due and the reporting and payment arrangements.

Simplified micro-company procedure

The system of micro-entrepreneur is a very simplified social and tax system. It is applicable when turnover HT: titleContent does not exceed certain thresholds: for example €188,700 in the case of an activity of sale of goods, or €77,700 for services.

The simplified scheme shall apply automatically for the year of establishment (N) and the following year (N+1) provided that these thresholds are respected.

Furthermore, the micro-company is subjected to the exemption from VAT : that is to say, the trader does not declare VAT on the services or sales he makes and cannot deduct it either.

Regarding the taxation of its income, the micro company is imposed on theIR: titleContent, in the category corresponding to its activity: micro BIC: titleContent, micro NBC: titleContent , micro BA: titleContent..). The tax due is calculated by taking into account a lump-sum allowance on turnover for professional expenses which varies according to the activity pursued (for an activity of selling goods: the reduction corresponds for example to 71% turnover).

For more details on tax relief, you can consult the factsheet on the micro-entrepreneur's tax system.

Finally, the entrepreneur pays social security contributions only if he generates turnover.

FYI  

Our factsheet on theVID (EI) specifies all operating rules.

Business

The business is a legal entity that has a legal personality, i.e. it has its own legal existence (share capital, name, registered office, etc.). It can sign a commercial lease, hire employees and has a distinct heritage from its partners. It is represented by a manager (a manager or a president) who carries out the activity.

The value of create a business is to limit the liability of the trader and his associates to the contributions made when the business was set up. It thus makes it possible to protect everyone's personal heritage.

The trader may carry on a commercial and/or craft activity alone (creating a EURL or a SASU) orassociative with other people (SARL, LOCK, SA, etc). The creation of a business requires the completion of various formalities such as the drafting of statutes, the deposit of a share capital which can be costly. In addition, the business must comply with various accounting obligations (keeping and lodging of annual accounts, convening of members of general meetings (GAs), maintaining AGs for any amendment to the statutes of the business, etc.).

Tax system

The profits made by the business are in principle subject tobusiness tax (IS). For certain types of businesses, partners can opt for income tax (IR). In this case, the profit are reported as BIC: titleContent on the income tax return.

Social protection

The social protection of the business manager varies according to the type of business chosen. The head of an EURL or SARL (if he or she is in the majority) is considered to be a self-employed person and must contribute to the Urssaf on the income from self-employment or on a minimum annual basis.

The head of a SAS, SASU, SARL (minority or egalitarian) is considered to be an equivalent employee. It comes under the general social security system. He has social protection very close to that of an employee. If he doesn't pay himself wages, he doesn't have to pay payroll taxes.

To make the right choice, it is therefore essential to take into account many factors:

  • the exercise of the activity alone or in combination with partners (in business )
  • the taxation of profits
  • the social protection system according to the envisaged legal form.

To help you choose the most appropriate legal form for your situation, the Urssaf offers the following simulator:

Finding the right legal status (form) and comparing the cost of social contributions

Please note

Liberal tour guides are paid in the form offees. Some are subject to value added tax (VAT), depending on their turnover and/or the nature of their supply. They are free to set the amount of their fees.

The guide-lecturer exercising his activity in the form of liberal must register its activity.

Registration must be done online on the company Formalities Window website:

Company Formalities Window

This declaration is used to inform all the bodies concerned by the launch of your activity (Insee, social organizations, Urssaf, public finance center, etc.).

Insee shall assign a Siret number. This is a unique national identification number that identifies the establishment. It is composed of Siren (first 9 digits) which identifies the company and the Nic (last 5 digits) which is modified in particular when the address of the establishment is changed.

When registering the company, Insee also attributes to the speaker guide its EPA code. For the activity of physician guide-lecturer, the APE code is 79,90,20.

Please note

The registration of the activity does not apply to tour guides working temporarily (freedom to provide services).

Contributions called by theUrssaf: titleContent depend on the business structure and legal status of the manager.

For all the rules concerning the social security scheme of the manager, you can consult the sheet relating to the Social protection of the business manager.

The craftsman who carries out his activity in his own name (GW) or as the majority manager of a business (such as a EURL or a SARL), is affiliated to the Social security for the self-employed (SSI), the compulsory scheme for self-employed persons.

The trader must pay social security contributions to the Urssaf from the start of his activity.

However, in practice, no contributions or social contributions are required for the first 90 days that follow the launch of its activity.

As income is not yet known at the start of the activity, contributions are first calculated on a flat-rate basis for the first 2 years (at the same rates as apply in-service), then adjusted and adjusted for actual income in the fiscal year.

Contributions must be paid online in one of the following ways:

  • Either every month : payment is made on the 5th or 20th of each month by direct debit.
  • Either every quarter : payment is made by direct debit, by electronic payment or by credit card on 5 February, 5 May, 5 August and 5 November.

When he carries out his activity in the framework of a business and holds management functions which give him the status of equivalent employee (president or paid director general of SAS, for example), the trader is subject to the general social security scheme.

His social security contributions are the same as those of an executive employee, and he has equivalent social protection, with the exception of unemployment insurance (optional unemployment insurance is however possible).

In the event of non-compliance with their professional obligations (compliance with the regulations), the following administrative sanctions may be imposed on the tour guides:

  • Warning
  • Temporary withdrawal of the professional card, for a maximum period of 6 months
  • Permanent withdrawal of the business card.