With a background in arts, photography, and linguistics, she brings a unique perspective to every tour she leads. Originally from France, she holds master’s degrees from the École des Beaux-Arts in Nancy and the Sorbonne in Paris.

Her fascination with Japan began during art school, when a Japanese exchange student left a lasting impression with her graceful manners and quiet kindness. But it was her first visit to Kyoto in 2002 that truly captured her heart. Guided by Yoko—a local friend and true Kyotoite—she discovered the refined world of tea ceremony, the elegance of kimono, and the timeless spirit of the ancient capital. Back then, Fushimi Inari was still untouched by crowds—an experience that revealed to her the deep harmony between nature, people, and the spirituality that defines Kyoto. It's a feeling she’s carried ever since.

As a former teacher, she has a gift for making complex cultural and historical topics feel accessible and engaging. She loves to share stories and personal insights, often weaving in anecdotes that spark curiosity and connection. Her tours are lively, interactive, and tailored to each guest’s interests. For her, the most important thing is that visitors have a meaningful and enjoyable experience—one that becomes a treasured memory.

When she’s not guiding or teaching French, you might find Isabelle throwing a matcha bowl on the pottery wheel in her Nara communal atelier, searching flea markets for vintage kimono for her online shop, or hiking the many trails that wind through the mountains around Nara, where she has lived since 2010. An avid hiker, she has walked the historic Nakasendō route between Kyoto and Tokyo four times—and dreams of one day walking the Via Podiensis all the way to Santiago.