This charming paved street, considered a European interlude, is Maiden Lane which is rather ironic, given that until the early 20th century, it was San Francisco's red light district. By the way, did you know that this expression originated in France? In the 13th century, Louis IX, unable to ban prostitution, decided to regulate it. He authorized prostitution to take place in houses whose blinds had to remain closed. Hence the term "maison close" in French, which means brothel, and translates word to word to "closed house". A red lantern had to be installed in front of theses houses to announce the place of debauchery. This custom spread throughout France and then to the whole world. In short, today, Maiden Lane is a charming shopping street lined with pretty boutiques, which gives you a chance to breathe a little, as pedestrian streets are quite rare in the town center.