<P> The French colonization of Texas began with the establishment of a fort in present - day southeastern Texas . It was established in 1685 near Arenosa Creek and Matagorda Bay by explorer Robert Cavelier de La Salle . He intended to found the colony at the mouth of the Mississippi River , but inaccurate maps and navigational errors caused his ships to anchor instead 400 miles ( 640 km ) to the west , off the coast of Texas . The colony survived until 1688 . The present - day town of Inez is near the fort 's site . </P>
where did the french immigrants settle in texas
present - day southeastern Texas