<P> The French colonization of the Americas began in the 16th century, and continued on into the following centuries as France established a colonial empire in the Western Hemisphere . France founded colonies in much of eastern North America, on a number of Caribbean islands, and in South America . Most colonies were developed to export products such as fish, rice sugar, and furs . </P> <P> As they colonized the New World, the French established forts and settlements that would become such cities as Quebec and Montreal in Canada; Detroit, Green Bay, St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, Mobile, Biloxi, Baton Rouge and New Orleans in the United States; and Port - au - Prince, Cap - Haïtien (founded as Cap - Français) in Haiti, Cayenne in French Guiana and São Luís (founded as Saint - Louis de Maragnan) in Brazil . </P> <P> 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, King of France . In 1524, Francis sent Italian - born Giovanni da Verrazzano to explore the region between Florida and Newfoundland for a route to the Pacific Ocean . Verrazzano gave the names Francesca and Nova Gallia to that land between New Spain and English Newfoundland, thus promoting French interests . </P>

Early french and english settlement in the new world