Karen I did know a couple of small tour companies, where the owner went along the tour and acted as the manager and guide. (and the airline companies provided him/her with a free ticket). And some of them were really good.

BP Chuck

Chuck: I am sure you're right. However, "exclusive tour groups" usually opt for their leaders to have documented expertise about the area being visited.

Some guides may go for the cost of the trip and a small salary PLUS tips. Others (who are "local" guides) expect to be paid. All guides have to people sit and are on call in the event that an emergency arises.

Karen I think you are correct. However there are some American Tours (more exclucive ones), which bring along their own guide. I knew some when I lived there, and I do not think they had any formal training, ecept they did know Paris, at least the one that was visited by the tourists, and they had a great gift of gab.
They did not got any privileges, but nobody bothered them. But naturally part of their job was to "baby-sit" the people on the tour and keep them happy.

BP Chuck

I would certainly contact the French Government Tourist Office in New York. I'm sure they know of training schools.

HOWEVER, unless you have the right to work in the EU, I wouldn't be terribly optimistic. IF you have a special field of expertise, you might contact some US tour agencies and see if you might do contract work.

I'm not certain ... but I think this field is hard to break into ... ESP. as French tourism is down. The more languages you speak and the more you "bring to the table," the better.

Very sociable and able to work with groups of tourists lady of 23 y.o. seeks the job being a guide in Paris. Please, advise where to study to be a guide and how it is possible to arrange this project . Thank you!