Rio de Janeiro:

The French had eyes on the coast and, in 1555, founded a colony far to the south of Bahia; on the bay of Rio de Janeiro.

The Portuguese soon destroyed the colony, and in 1567 they established their own settlement of Rio de Janeiro on its site.

Regiao dos Lagos:

Of course Rio has wonderful beaches but if you want to discover something special, head north of the city to Cabo Frio and Buzios.