The Blue House Plaque

Ever heard of a house inspiring a hit song? Right here at 3841 18th Street stands The Blue House, a seemingly ordinary Victorian. For the French, however, The Blue House, or “La Maison Bleue,” is iconic. It’s all thanks to a song, “San Francisco,” written by French singer Maxime Le Forestier. In 1971, Le Forestier stayed at The Blue House while visiting San Francisco. The house was then a commune called Hunga Dunga, home to a mix of artists, activists, and free spirits. Le Forestier, a quiet observer, captured the essence of this bohemian life in his song. He sang about the blue house on the hill, where people gathered for dinner at 5 p.m., a key detail remembered by former commune members. Unbeknownst to them, Le Forestier was crafting a tribute. The song became a smash hit in France, selling over a million copies. The Blue House, however, faded into obscurity, even painted green at one point. It was rediscovered in 2010 by a French journalist, prompting a restoration of its blue hue and the addition of a plaque featuring Le Forestier’s face. Today, The Blue House draws French tourists who sing Le Forestier’s song, connecting with a piece of their cultural history. The Blue House stands as a testament to a vibrant era, immortalized in music and cherished across an ocean.