Jacques Cartier was born in the port town of Saint-Malo, Brittany, France. Saint-Malo was a hub for maritime activity, and this environment likely exposed Cartier to seafaring tales and skills from a young age.

While definitive proof is scarce, historians generally believe that Jacques Cartier married Catherine des Granches sometime around 1520. Details about Catherine and her family are limited, but her marriage to Cartier suggests a connection to the Saint-Malo community. They had no children.

Prior to his voyages of exploration, Cartier worked as a merchant seaman and navigator. He likely sailed to various ports in Europe and possibly even to South America. This experience honed his navigation skills and knowledge of maritime trade routes, crucial for his later explorations.