The following is a list of French people known as explorers.

Mar 4, 2023 · French explorers have played a significant role in the history of exploration, mapping, and colonization around the world. From the 15th to the 19th century, French adventurers traveled the …

Learn about the famous French explorers and navigators who circumvented the earth, mapping the lands, lakes, and rivers in their path.

The French first came to the New World as explorers, seeking a route to the Pacific Ocean and wealth. Major French exploration of North America began under the rule of Francis I of France.

In the 1600s the French explored along water routes (such as the Fox and Wisconsin rivers) connecting the Great Lakes with the Mississippi River. They built forts, missions, and trading posts along the …

This list of famous French Explorers is sorted by HPI (Historical Popularity Index), a metric that aggregates information on a biography's online popularity. Visit the rankings page to view the entire …

Sep 2, 2025 · During the 1680s, French explorers began searching for the mouth of the Mississippi River. By controlling the headwaters of North America’s largest river, the French sought to challenge …

Jul 3, 2024 · List of notable or famous explorers from France, with bios and photos, including the top explorers born in France and even some popular explorers who immigrated to France. If you're trying …

Major French exploration of North America began under the rule of Francis I, King of France. In 1524, Francis sent Italian-born Giovanni da Verrazzano to explore the region between Florida and …

French explorer René-Robert Cavelier, sieur de La Salle (1643–1687), continued exploring the Mississippi valley, eventually reaching the Gulf of Mexico. He made important discoveries in the …