The peaceful setting of the picturesque port of Honfleur along the the estuary of the Seine attracted many artists and writers over the years including English painter Bonington, French painter Boudin, French poet Charles Baudelaire and later the members of Impressionist Painters. Throughout its history, numerous maritime journeys were initiated from Honfleur. In the early sixteenth century, Paulmier de Gouenville sailed to Brazil from here and Jean Denis set out on an exploration of the St. Lawrence River. During the early part of the next century, Champlain set sail from Honfleur to discover Quebec city and later La Salle set sail on his voyage down the Mississippi and named the Louisiana after the King of France.