Introducing....French Truly!

Here in Seattle we recently had the good fortune of making the acquaintance of Virginie Blackmoor, a longtime French teacher and recently confirmed Seattleite, whose business, French Truly, is quickly winning over the hearts and minds of local French students.


Raised in a small town outside Lyon, Virginie has traveled extensively and brings to her classes a fresh, dynamic approach to teaching, taking classes out of the classroom.

Rather than torturing her students with endless verb drills, she organizes relaxed conversation groups, role-playing sessions, movie nights with French wine and cheese, entertaining field trips, and creative presentations on different aspects of French culture, language and history.

Sign up for one of her programs, and you'll walk away not only with new language skills, but with valuable insights into the French way of thinking and behaving -- tips that are far more useful than having perfect grammar!

Virginie's infectious enthusiasm and sense of humor puts students at ease and makes learning a pleasure rather than a chore. And pleasure is an art the French know better than anyone, n'est-ce pas?

Et voilà! On vous présente notre petit blog....

But before we get started, we'd like to tell you a little more about us!

Who Are We?


Sunset over Lake Washington, steps from our Seattle office

We are a group of French and American professionals based in Seattle, Washington. As passionate about world travel as we are about home life, we specialize in short-term vacation rental apartments in Paris and homes in France. We travel frequently to France to assist our French staff, visit the apartments we rent, take new photos, meet with owners, and inspect new properties. With this firsthand knowledge, we can and will tell you honestly what to expect.

The Benefits of Renting Your Own Place:

•  Privacy/Independence:  Faites comme chez vous! With your own space, you can settle down. Adopt the French vacation style and really take your time. Make a run for croissants in the morning while your spouse makes  coffee, stop at home for a nap in the afternoon to recharge after roaming all over the city, fix a leisurely dinner while chatting with your travel companions. You’re free to live as you please.

Cozy Moulin de la Galette apartment in the Montmartre

• The Reassurance of Personal Service: One of our bilingual Parisian representatives will be waiting for you when you arrive, show you how to use the dishwasher, call a driver for your return to the airport, tell you where to buy the best baguette in the neighborhood. And if you have any serious concerns during your stay, you have a reliable person to call.

• A Sense of Locality: One of the backbones of Parisian life is the concept of the “vie de quartier”. Take the time to engage in simple, friendly conversation with a local shopkeeper for a few moments each day, and you will likely be rewarded with a taste of French charm, which serves effectively as an antidote to the legendary Parisian snobbery! It can be a comfort to forge your own little routine in a foreign land. Our apartments are located in the center of Paris, all in walking distance to basic amenities as well as grand monuments.

• Economy: Renting an apartment or home for your vacation is particularly economical for families who won’t need to rent multiple hotel rooms. With your own kitchen facilities you’ll spend far less on restaurants and get to benefit from the wonderful markets of France where fresh foods are not only affordable but of excellent quality.

Spoils from the local marché

France: Homestyle is Unique.

We are a human scale operation. In the online universe of rental properties, FHS provides an intimate, extraordinarily personalized experience. Call us on the phone, and reach a real person who will spend the time to understand your desires and make them a reality.  In business since 1992, we have developed a strong following of return clients. We care about people; it’s these kinds of personal connections that make us glad to do what we do.

 Long time clients locked in their love on the Pont des Arts this autumn