Jean-François de la Roque de Roberval was a French nobleman and explorer born in 1500. He is best known for his role as the first governor of the French colony in New France, which is now part of Canada. Roberval was appointed by King Francis I to establish a permanent settlement in the region, aiming to expand French influence in North America. Roberval led an expedition to Canada in 1541, where he attempted to establish a colony near the St. Lawrence River. Despite his efforts, the settlement faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather and conflicts with Indigenous peoples. Ultimately, Roberval's colony did not succeed, and he returned to France in 1543.