Final answer:
The early French explorers sailed west in the hope of finding a faster trade route to Asia called the Northwest Passage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The early French explorers sailed west in the hope of finding a quicker way to reach Asia. They were searching for a route known as the Northwest Passage, a water route that would allow ships to sail west through North America and reach the Pacific Ocean, enabling faster and more direct trade with Asia.
The French, along with other European countries, wanted to establish trade routes with Asia for economic reasons. They believed that finding a shorter route would give them a competitive advantage in the lucrative Asian trade market. However, despite their efforts, the Northwest Passage was never found.
In addition to trade, the French explorers also had other goals, such as expanding their empire, claiming new territories, and spreading their religion. But the primary motivation for sailing west was to find a quicker trade route to Asia.