François de La Vérendrye (1715 – 31 July 1794) was a Canadian explorer.
In 1738, he was part of his father's expedition to Mandan country in what is now North Dakota.
In 1742–1743, he and his brother traveled southwest through Mandan territory, probably reaching Wyoming and viewing the Rocky Mountains.
They were the first Europeans to cross the northern Great Plains and reach the mountains.
François then returned east and served in the army during the Seven Years' War.