* The St. Lawrence River: Jacques Cartier explored the St. Lawrence River in 1534, becoming the first European to reach the region. He claimed the land for France, and his exploration paved the way for further French exploration and settlement in Canada.
* The Mississippi River: René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, explored the Mississippi River in 1682, becoming the first European to travel the length of the river. He claimed the land for France, and his exploration opened up the Mississippi River Valley to French settlement.
* The Missouri River: Pierre Gaultier de Varennes, sieur de La Vérendrye, explored the Missouri River in 1743, becoming the first European to ascend the river. He claimed the land for France, and his exploration paved the way for further French exploration of the western United States.
* The Ohio River: Céloron de Blainville explored the Ohio River in 1749, becoming the first European to descend the river from its source. He claimed the land for France, and his exploration helped to solidify French control over the Ohio River Valley.
These are just a few of the many rivers that French explorers searched in North America. Their explorations helped to expand French territory and paved the way for French settlement in the region.
