What if a king asked YOU to sail around the whole world and discover new lands?

The Day a Fearless French Explorer Was Born!

Meet Jean-François de La Pérouse, the sailor who explored the whole Pacific Ocean!

French explorer La Pérouse was born and later sailed the entire Pacific Ocean for a king!

On September 19, 1741, a baby boy named Jean-François de Galaup was born in the south of France. This little guy would grow up to become one of the greatest explorers ever — known to history as La Pérouse!

Imagine being asked by a KING to sail around the entire world! That's exactly what happened to La Pérouse. King Louis XVI of France gave him two ships and said, 'Go explore the Pacific Ocean and find what's out there!'

La Pérouse was like the astronaut of his time! He sailed to places most Europeans had never seen. He explored Alaska's icy coast, visited Japan, sailed past Australia, and mapped islands all across the Pacific. His crew included scientists who studied plants, animals, and drew amazing pictures of everything they saw.

Here's the really cool part: La Pérouse wasn't just brave — he was KIND. When he met native peoples, he tried to be friendly and learn about their cultures. He traded gifts and made friends instead of enemies.

💡 La Pérouse's expedition carried 21 scientists and artists to study and draw everything they discovered — like a floating science lab!