TOUR LEADER IN FRANCE

Grand Circle Corporation; France; On-site; EUR 39,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Daily rate 210€

Incentives up to 40% of base

Transport allowance

Meals covered

Job summary

Grand Circle Corporation seeks an independent Contract Tour Leader to guide senior American travelers across France on land and river itineraries. The role blends travel leadership with cultural interpretation, city walks, and responsible guest management throughout 12–16 day tours.

Applicants must have legal work status in France, a SIRET, liability insurance, and strong English fluency. French (and Italian for Riviera tours) is required, with a focus on delivering meaningful learning

Qualifications

• Fluent or C2 level in English.
• Full proficiency in French (and Italian for Riviera tours).
• Strong group management experience is a plus.
• Empathy, emotional maturity and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated with fast learning and strong problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead groups of 10–16 travelers for land tours or 30–40 for river cruises across France.
• Communicate with travelers before departure to support their preparation and post-trip follow-up.
• Manage daily logistics and coordinate with service providers and bookings (transport, guides, hotels, restaurants).
• Present cultural, historical, and local insights about visited regions.
• Lead city discovery walks and facilitate understanding of French society.

Skills

English fluency

French proficiency

Italian ( Riviera tours)

Group management

Empathy & interpersonal skills

Self-motivation & problem solving

Job description

Become a Tour Leader for Overseas Adventure Travel & Grand Circle Cruise Line in 2027

Do you see yourself as both a Leader and a Cultural Ambassador?

If you thrive in dynamic situations, love human connections, and enjoy life off the beaten path, this role may be your next adventure.

Join us in guiding senior American travelers through enriching journeys across France, and enjoy the freedom to balance life on the road with your personal pursuits.

Who We Are:

We are a leading American travel company specializing in adventure and discovery travel for Senior Americans 50+. Since 1958, over two million travelers have explored the world with us. Our mission: change lives through travel experiences immerging into local culture.

Discover more about us:

www.gct.com | www.oattravel.com

Your Key Responsibilities:

• Lead groups of 10–16 travelers (land tours) or 30–40 travelers (river cruises) around France during their entire tour (12-16 days)
• Ensure proactive communication with travelers prior to departure (email/phone) to support their preparation, as well as post‑trip follow‑up.
• Manage daily logistics, coordinate with service providers and confirm or cancel bookings in a timely manner (transportation, local guides, restaurants, hotels, etc.) for the duration of the tour.
• Explore and present off the beaten path locations.
• Lead city discovery walks.
• Research and present cultural, historical, and local insights about the regions visited.
• Facilitate understanding of French society (politics, economy, culture, geography, etc.).
• Deliver meaningful learning and discovery experiences throughout the tour.
• Report any on‑site issues & medical emergencies to the local office (no medical training required)

Requirements:

• Freelancer / Independent Contractor status. You must have legal authorization to work in France + valid SIRET number & liability insurance for tourism related activities, by the time you lead your first tour.
• Fluent / C2 level in English (100% English-speaking work environment).
• Full proficiency / C1 level in French (and Italian, for Riviera tours only).
• Strong passion and knowledge of France and/or the Italian Riviera (its culture, history, and identity.)
• Ability to discuss societal topics, including sensitive issues, with insight and balance.
• Genuine interest in travelers; group management experience is a plus.
• Empathy, emotional maturity, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated, fast learner, and strong problem-solving abilities.
• Stress management and a positive, team-oriented attitude.

Seasonal Availability:

You must be available to lead tours from March to November, with each tour lasting 12-16 days.

We are looking for Tour Leaders for the following itineraries:

• French Impressions: Loire Valley to Lyon and Paris
• Cruising the Rhône: Lyon to Provence & the South of France
• French & Italian Rivieras
• Cruising the Seine: Paris to Normandy

What We Offer

• Daily rate (starting at 210€ / day of tour) + performance incentives (up to 40% of the base per-diem rate)
• Transportation allowance & all meals covered when leading tours
• Travel opportunities and benefits

Recruitment Process

• Applications review – starting October 1st
• Mandatory Group interview and training session for selected candidates: November 24th – 27th 2026 in Lyon (travel expenses are not covered)
• Season start event & Ride-along (shadowing / learning tour): March 2027

All stages are selective. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We believe that diverse perspectives enrich the travel experience. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all.

Ready to lead life-changing journeys?

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