The famous explorer who sailed for France in search of a Northwest Passage was Jacques Cartier. Active in the 16th century, Cartier is recognized for his voyages to North America between 1534 and 1542. He was commissioned by the French crown to find a shorter trade route to Asia via the Arctic. Instead, Cartier explored parts of modern-day Canada, including the St. Lawrence River, claiming the territory for France. His expeditions laid the groundwork for future French exploration and colonization in North America. Cartier's encounters with Indigenous peoples and his journeys revealed the potential of the New World and opened opportunities for trade.