Early Career as a Mariner
Married Catherine des Granches, member of a prominent local family.
Accompanied an expedition to Brazil led by Verrazzano.
Mentioned in documents as a respected ship's master in Saint-Malo.
Introduced to King Francis I of France by Jean le Veneur, Bishop of Saint-Malo.
Received commission from King Francis I to explore the New World.
Second Voyage
Departed on second voyage with three ships.
Navigated the Saguenay River, seeking a passage to Asia.
Established relations with the Stadaconan chief, Donnacona.
Reached the St. Lawrence River, beginning exploration.
Visited Hochelaga, describing the native village and its inhabitants.
Arrived at the site of present-day Montreal, naming it Mont Réal.
Departed Hochelaga, returning to Stadacona for the winter.
Reached the site of present-day Quebec, naming it Stadacona.
Third Voyage
Departed on third voyage with five ships, aiming to establish a colony.
Navigated the St. Lawrence River, returning to Stadacona.
Established the colony of Charlesbourg-Royal, near present-day Quebec City.
Sent expeditions in search of the legendary kingdom of Saguenay.
Arrived at Stadacona, beginning colonization efforts.
Began construction of a fort at Charlesbourg-Royal, preparing for winter.
Received reports of gold and diamonds, raising hopes for the colony's success.
Endured increasingly harsh conditions, leading to disease and malnutrition.
Lost many colonizers to scurvy, severely weakening the colony.
Continued to search for gold and diamonds, despite worsening conditions.
Realized the futility of the colony, beginning plans to abandon it.
Prepared for the return voyage, gathering surviving colonizers.
Retirement in Saint-Malo
Authored a report on the third voyage, published in 1545.
Authored a report on his voyages, published as Bref récit et succincte narration de la navigation faite en MDXLIII.
Continued to serve Saint-Malo, maintaining his role as a naval captain.
Engaged in local politics, representing the interests of Saint-Malo.
Received the title of Noble Man from King Henry II.
Received recognition for his service, granted the title of Noble Man.
Maintained his duties as a naval captain, overseeing maritime activities.
Prepared for the arrival of the plague, implementing preventive measures.
Married his daughter to Jacques Noël, a prominent merchant.
Married his daughter to Jacques Noël, establishing a familial alliance.
Named Lieutenant of the Admiral of France.
Named Lieutenant of the Admiral of France, expanding his responsibilities.
Received the title of Captain and Governor of the port of Saint-Malo.
Received the title of Captain and Governor of the port of Saint-Malo.
Oversaw the defense of Saint-Malo, preparing for potential threats.
Dealt with a severe outbreak of the plague in Saint-Malo.
Dealt with a severe outbreak of the plague, implementing quarantine measures.
Continued to oversee the defense of Saint-Malo, maintaining vigilance.
Assisted in the defense of Saint-Malo against a Spanish attack.
Assisted in the defense of Saint-Malo against a Spanish attack, safeguarding the city.