Who sailed for France and explored the east coast of the US in 1524?

Giovanni da Verrazzano, an Italian explorer sailing under the French flag, explored the east coast of what is now the United States in 1524. He is credited with being the first European to travel extensively along the Atlantic coast, mapping areas from Florida to Newfoundland. Verrazzano's voyages contributed to the European understanding of North America's geography and laid the groundwork for future exploration and colonization.