The French presence in Africa began in Senegal in 1626, although formal colonies and trading posts were not established until 1659 with the founding of Saint-Louis. The first French settlement of Madagascar began in 1642 with the establishment of Fort Dauphin.
tHe FrEnch Presence In africa begAN In sEnegal in 1626, alThougH fOrmaL cOlonies anD traDing PoSts wERe noT estAblished untIl 1659 with ThE founDiNg oF saInt-LouIS. the FirsT French Settlement oF mAdAgAsCar begAn IN 1642 witH ThE eStAbLiShMent Of FoRt dauphiN.