While Spain was building its New World empire, France was also exploring the Americas. In 1524, Giovanni da Verrazano was authorized to locate a northwest passage around North America to India. In 1534 he was followed by Jacques Cartier, who explored the St. Lawrence River as far as present-day Montreal. In 1562 Jean Ribault led an expedition that explored the St. Johns River area in Florida. His efforts were followed two years later by a second attempt led by René de Laudonnière. Shortly after, though, the Spanish pushed the French out of Florida. The French then directed their efforts north and west. In 1608 Samuel de Champlain built a fort at Quebec and explored the area north to Port Royal, Nova Scotia, and south to Cape
