Jacques Cartier, one of the prominent French explorers, made his way back to St. Malo after an extensive journey in the New World, where he navigated significant territories now known as Quebec and Montreal. During his voyages, Cartier became the first European to describe the St. Lawrence River, which would later become an essential waterway for trade and exploration. His interactions with indigenous peoples, particularly the St. Lawrence Iroquoian tribes, provided valuable insights into their cultures and the region's resources. Cartier's expeditions were sanctioned by King Francis I of France, who sought to expand French influence in the New World amid competition from other European powers. Cartier's return was marked by a wealth of information that would encourage further French pursuits in the territory. He returned to France with samples of natural resources and knowledge of the local populations, setting the stage for future economic endeavors, including the fur trade that would define French colonial interests in North America.