Americas–France relations

France–Americas relations started in the 16th century, soon after the discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus, and have developed over a period of several centuries. == Early encounters (16th century) == === Expeditions under Francis I === In order to counterbalance the power of the Habsburg Empire under Charles V, and especially its control of large parts of the New World through the Crown of Spain, Francis I endeavoured to develop contacts with the New World and Asia.

Source: Wikipedia — Americas–France relations (CC BY-SA 4.0)