Join Us in France · Sunday, September 6, 2026
King Louis XVI, a keen patron of science and exploration, commissioned Lapérouse in 1785 to complete the cartography of the Pacific Ocean, building on the work of James Cook. This prestigious mission involved a detailed itinerary and aimed to enhance France's global reputation.
“And Louis XVI decided that he was going to have Lapérouse do something to bring the reputation of the French up in relation to the British, and that is finish the cartography of the Pacific Ocean that James Cook had started.”
“And so he was brought to the court, and he apparently, it was, he knew… he knew the king. I mean, Lapérouse had actually, he's had other contacts with him.”
“And so, he accepted the mission. And the mission was detailed so much so, that he knew exactly where he had to go and what he had to do.”