Who was known as the noble explorer that claimed Louisiana for France?

The noble explorer known for claiming Louisiana for France is René Robert Cavelier, often referred to simply as La Salle. He undertook an expedition down the Mississippi River and arrived at its mouth in 1682, where he claimed the vast territory for France, naming it Louisiana in honor of King Louis XIV. La Salle's explorations were pivotal in establishing France's presence in North America and set the stage for future French colonization efforts in the region. His initiatives contributed significantly to the understanding of the geography of the area and its strategic importance, leading to further exploration and settlement.

The other figures listed had notable roles in the history of Louisiana, but La Salle's specific claim to the territory during his voyage is what makes him particularly significant in this context.