The interview of Michel MARMEN, Receptour Guide

After a successful career in radio, Michel turned to guiding. His passion for others, his love of storytelling, and his love of his destination. A native Quebecer, Michel knows his land well, and loves to share its history with his travelers. We caught up with him between two groups, and he agreed to be interviewed. We’re off!

Hello Michel! Nice to meet you again for this interview. Can you tell us a little about your career path to becoming a guide?

I was born in Rimouski, but moved to Montreal when I was very young. I studied Earth Sciences at university and worked in that field for a few years. Then I found myself at the microphone of Radio Canada.

It soon became clear that I preferred people to rocks!

I had the opportunity to spend 3 years in Germany on a professional basis. After having spent most of my career in radio, I launched my own business as a wine guide in Quebec, because I’m passionate about wine. That was the real trigger for me to change professions!

Today, I’m a guide for French travellers. I recently obtained my certification, and I’m very proud to announce that I’m now officially registered as a New York City tour guide.
For the moment, I feel very much at home in Quebec and have no desire to live in the Big Apple. Nevertheless, I don’t rule out living there 6 months of the year in the medium term. Life is very expensive there and I’d have to think about it. In any case, if Receptour launches in the United States, I’m all ears! (laughs)

How did your adventure with Receptour begin?

I joined the CGAQ (Corporation of the Guides of Quebec), which usually has job offers. Receptour was one of them, so I applied and got the job!
I’ve been recruited for autumn 2019, just outside Covid, to accompany a group of French people. As everyone knows, the pandemic put business on hold in the tourism sector. This year, I’ve resumed my tours and already have Receptour groups scheduled for March, April and June.

What do you enjoy most about being a guide?

Without a doubt, the contact with people, the human aspect.
You know, I’ve been in radio all my life, with a mission to tell stories, a taste for storytelling. Now, I tell stories in a closed circuit, in small groups.
What I love most is seeing my travelers marvel! I’ll never tire of that kind of reaction.

In your opinion, what are the essential qualities of a guide?

Resourcefulness, curiosity, empathy and preparation! It would be a lie to say that a guide knows every place on the map in detail. Of course we’re familiar with the environment, but it’s our responsibility to inform ourselves and hone our knowledge so as to appear expert on the destination. In my opinion, this is what makes the difference between guides’ skills, and it’s also a duty to our travellers.

Punctuality is so important. Coming from the radio, I’m always on time, if not early.
When I talk about empathy, I mean that I’m in front of someone I don’t know, and I have to give them a chance, always. Loving people, being open to your fellow man, means accepting him as he is.

Based on your years of experience, what advice would you give to a young person wishing to become a guide?

I’d say that, if they don’t immediately possess the qualities I mentioned earlier, they should think twice before taking the plunge! (laughs).
On the other hand, don’t neglect to take a tour guide course.
I did take a tour guide course, after all.

What’s the one Receptour tour you’d be happy to do over and over again?

I’d love to go to Gaspésie, over and over again!
What beautiful memories and what a magnificent place. With the bus, you arrive on Baie-des-Chaleurs and discover Percé Rock, it’s splendid.
I still have family in the Lower St. Lawrence, so I know it well. It’s an area I always enjoy visiting.

It’s often said that each guide has his or her own sensibility and a particular interest that he or she instills in the group. How would you define Michel Marmen’s “signature”?

On the one hand, my approach is scientific, due to my studies. I love crystals.
Secondly, I love the arts. I used to be a visual arts critic and I still attach great importance to it.
Finally, I have a political approach. I like to keep abreast of current affairs, because I talk about everything with my groups. There are no taboos with me: political topics and debates are welcome. Through my own French, English, German and native roots, I talk about myself to communicate political-historical information. I like to make jokes and poke fun at everyone, under the guise of my own family, in order to count the great Quebecois facts.

Would you have any advice for travelers to get the most out of their Receptour trip?

Never forget that content is important and that you need to have a good time.
When I leave, I treat my group like family. That’s why I warn them about the basics: culture shock, different currencies, Quebec’s gastronomy and its strange things… (laughs). I give the basic information before he asks for it.
I also like to remind them that I’m at their disposal for 2 weeks. To get the most out of their trip, there can be no frustrations, and I’m there for them.

How do you approach managing a group of 50 people VS managing a group of 10?

Personally, I like small groups because they’re closer.
My technique, when I have more than 35 people, is to find the strengths in my group. With observation and experience, you can always spot travellers who can collaborate and ensure smooth organization. For example, I always get an ally to close the gap.

Do you have a general travel philosophy?

In any trip, there are always must-sees, but you have to make choices. It’s important not to get frustrated and to retain the best.
Whenever possible, live like the locals. Being open always leads to great moments. Just as Receptour does with its programs, you have to reach out to the traditional offer and discover the rare pearl.

On a personal note, what was your most memorable trip?

In 2018, I took a year off to travel. It put me in a bit of debt, but I have absolutely no regrets (laughs).
South Africa, Botswana and a safari in the Kalahari Desert are my best memories. The beauty of the landscapes, the real shock of the temperatures, the smells, the colors… I felt like I was in another dimension.

With this dreamy description, it’s time to conclude this interview. Michel, before we go, I’ll leave you with the last word…

When they come here, French travelers are looking for the historical Canada they’ve been told about. They often like Quebec City and Ottawa, but less so Montreal. They’ve come to see the legendary Canada, the plaid shirts, the wide open spaces, the animals, and sometimes they’re disappointed.
It’s a huge challenge for us guides to dispel stereotypes and bring back normality and reality.
I’d like to say to future travelers: keep on being curious, don’t be afraid to discover, reach out to others and let go!
Trust Receptour to concoct a daring itinerary for you, in the image of our beautiful Province.

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