French explorers played a significant role in the Age of Exploration during the 15th to 17th centuries. They sought new trade routes and territories, leading to the discovery of parts of North America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. Notable figures include Jacques Cartier, who claimed Canada for France, and Samuel de Champlain, known for founding Quebec. These explorers contributed to mapping uncharted territories and establishing French colonies. Their journeys often involved interactions with Indigenous peoples, which shaped the cultural and political landscape of the regions they explored. The legacy of these explorers is still evident in modern-day Canada and Louisiana.