About French Gulch CDP, California
French Gulch is a census-designated place (CDP) in Shasta County, California, United States. The population was 1,040 at the 2010 census, up from 949 at the 2000 census.
The town is located in the foothills of the Cascade Range, about 10 miles (16 km) west of Redding. French Gulch was founded during the California Gold Rush in 1848 by French miners. It is said to be named after the miners who found gold in a nearby gulch.
The town was nearly destroyed by a fire in 1854, but was rebuilt and later prospered as a stop on the stagecoach route between Redding and Weaverville. A number of well-preserved buildings from the 19th century remain in the town, which is now a popular tourist destination.