Walking/running guide

I was recently told by 2 people just moving to France that you need to be a qualified mountain guide just to lead people on low level country park type walks or runs.
Can anyone shed light on this, thanks

I doubt it is accurate, or at least it is confused. There are qualified mountain guides and indeed have to have the qualification to lead groups in the mountains.

For low level walks there are many walking clubs and though insurance and a medical certificate is required to be a member there is no requirement for the walking club to have qualified 'leaders'