My girlfriend from Florida just visited San Francisco . Her step-daughter took to her to what she called a small French area, restaurants, shops, maybe a small park etc.. It was very close to 4th and Harrison, but she and I couldn't find it last week when we were looking for it.

From what she said, it may be a small French neighborhood, not the big well known French restaurants or cafes.

Any idea where it is?

Nina

Possibly Hayes Street near Gough.

Not Hayes near Gough. Thanks anyway. My friend was at 4th and Harrison and they walked a few blocks to this area. She said that it was charming with nice little shops.

Nina

Hi Nina, I sure don't know. I was thinking of Maiden Lane that has that one french store called Pierre Deux or something like that but it doesn't sound like what she is referring to. A mystery! But I bet if you call the SF Chamber of Commerce tomorrow morning they could help you. Let us know.

Sounds like South Park to me - this tucked-away,leafy neighborhood (built around an oval park) has a soupçon of European vibe happenin'. It's in the middle of the area bounded by 2nd & 3rd, and Bryant & Brannan.

http://www.inetours.com/Pages/SFLndmrkVws/SPark.html

http://southpark-sfchron-article.notlong.com/

The only place I can think of (and the only park near 4th and Harrison) is around South Park between 2nd and 3rd and I think near Brannan.

Oh - I didn't see bluestar's post. Yes, I think South Park must be the place.

South Park must be the place. Thank you so much. I've never been to the new ballpark so I'm totally unfamiliar with the South Park, and China Basin areas.

My girlfriend and I were in the area, after shopping at REI, and decided to go to China Basin for lunch, when she mentioned this French/European area that she had been in the week before.
DH bless him, tried to give us directions via cell phone, but since I have absolutely no sense of direction and downtown traffic and one way streets, really frustrate me, we gave up and decided to go the Ferry Building instead.

Years ago, you wouldn't set foot there, now you probably can't afford to

The only thing that I remember about the area is that the SP Train Deport was at 3rd and Townsend. We used to take the train between S.F. and L.A. several times a year.

Does anyone have any special European type shops or restaurants to recommend in South Park?

Isn't it great when you learn something new every day - especially about your own hometown.

Nina