La Petite France flourished over the centuries along the water’s edge.
During the Middle Ages, it evolved into the domain of tanners, millers, and fishermen, whose livelihoods were intricately tied to the river.This bustling enclave acquired the moniker La Petite France in the 15th century.Surprisingly, it wasn’t named after the French Quarter, as one might assume. Instead, its designation stemmed from the Hospice des Verolés, constructed to care for soldiers of Charles VIII afflicted with syphilis during the Italian Campaign!
Ironically, at that time, syphilis was colloquially referred to as the French disease!