François Laroche (5 January 1775 – 22 February 1823) was a French general who served during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars.

Promoted to lieutenant on 1 April 1793 and captain on 12 February of the same year, Laroche demonstrated exceptional leadership at the Battle of Arlon, leading a decisive charge against an Austrian cavalry regiment, capturing two guns, and routing the enemy[1] After 5 January 1798, he resumed his duties in the infantry, continuing his service Army of the Danube from 20 April 1799.

Lacking military experience, Borghèse relied heavily on Laroche, who had been promoted to major and was effectively in command.

Borghèse’s neglect of his duties—he was notably absent during an inspection at Elbing on 8 May 1807—eventually led to Laroche’s promotion to colonel and official command of the regiment.

[3] He was wounded by a sword blow to the head in combat at Ratisbon on 23 April 1809; subsequently, on 6 July, at the Battle of Wagram, commanding 1st Carabinier Regiment of Bessières's cavalry reserve, his horse was killed under him.