Who founded the French colony in 1699?

The founding of the French colony in 1699 is attributed to Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville, who was instrumental in establishing French Louisiana. He led an expedition that explored the Gulf Coast and claimed the territory for France. Iberville's efforts laid the groundwork for further French colonization and settlement in the region, which would develop into the vibrant and culturally rich city of New Orleans later on. His leadership and vision were key in asserting French interests in North America during a time when European powers were vying for control of various territories.

The other individuals mentioned played significant roles in the history of Louisiana but did not found the colony in 1699. Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, also known as Bienville, was Iberville's brother and later became a prominent figure in the colony’s governance. Adrien de Pauger was involved in the planning and layout of New Orleans but arrived after the initial founding. René-Robert Cavelier, known as La Salle, was important in exploring the Mississippi River but was not directly responsible for founding the colony. Thus, Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville stands out as the correct answer for establishing the French colony in Louisiana.