In 1555, the foundation of the France Antarctique colony marked a significant attempt by French Huguenots to establish a foothold in the New World. Led by the naval officer Nicolas Durand de Villegaignon, this expedition was intended to create a refuge for French Protestants escaping the intense religious persecution of the time. Seeking to expand French influence in South America, the Huguenots targeted the strategically important region of Guanabara Bay, now known as Rio de Janeiro. They constructed a fort and a settlement that became the center for their ambitions in the area.

The project was not solely about refuge; it also aimed to challenge the established Spanish and Portuguese colonial powers in Brazil. The French hoped to foster trade with Europe, export exotic goods, and create a thriving agricultural base in the fertile lands surrounding the settlement. The Huguenots attempted to engage with local indigenous tribes, negotiating peace treaties and seeking alliances, although these interactions often met with mixed success.

Despite their hopes, the colony faced severe difficulties. The Huguenots struggled with food shortages due to their isolation from France and insufficient supplies. Internal divisions among the settlers, particularly over religious practices and governance, contributed to the colony's instability. Additionally, resistance from indigenous people who viewed the French as invaders complicated their efforts to settle. By 1560, the French colony collapsed under pressure from Portuguese forces and internal dissension, marking a fleeting chapter of French colonial ambition in Brazil.