The statement that most completely explains the reasons of the French settlement in New France is that the French came to trap and trade fur, and they sought new land and a way to the Pacific.
In 1524, the Italian navigator Giovanni da Verrazzano explored the eastern coast and called the new territory Francesca, in honor of King Francis I of France. In 1534, Jacques Cartier raised a cross in the Gaspesia peninsula and claimed the lands in the name of Francis I. However, initially France was not interested in backing the claim through settlements. French fishing boats continued crossing the Atlantic to the St. Lawrence River, establishing alliances with Indian tribes that were of remarkable importance once France began to occupy the land. French merchants realized that the St. Lawrence River region produced skins, especially beaver skins that were difficult to find in Europe, since the European beaver was close to extinction. Finally, the French Crown decided to colonize the territory to secure and extend its influence in America.