What were the major exploration accomplishments of France?

France's major exploration accomplishments include the extensive voyages of Jacques Cartier in the 1530s, which led to the claiming of Canada for France. Additionally, Samuel de Champlain established the first permanent French settlement in North America at Quebec in 1608. The French also explored parts of the Mississippi River, with explorers like René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, who claimed the region for France, naming it Louisiana. These explorations significantly contributed to France's colonial empire and its influence in the New World.