Which explorer claimed the land from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico for France?

Rene-Robert de la Salle is the explorer who claimed the land from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico for France. In the late 17th century, he undertook extensive explorations of North America, particularly focusing on the Mississippi River. De la Salle is best known for his expedition in which he traveled down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico and claimed the entire region for France, naming it Louisiana in honor of King Louis XIV. This claim was significant as it expanded French territorial holdings in North America and established a foothold for future colonization efforts.

The other explorers mentioned in the options were associated with different regions and periods. Fr. Jacques Marquette, while also an important figure in the exploration of North America, was primarily known for his missionary work and for exploring parts of the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River alongside de la Salle. Juan Ponce de Leon is famous for his exploration of Florida and is often associated with the search for the Fountain of Youth, while Alonso Alvarez de Pineda is known for mapping the coastline of the Gulf of Mexico and was primarily connected to Spanish exploration in that area.