Louis Archinard (11 February 1850 – 8 May 1932) was a French Army general at the time of the Third Republic, who contributed to the colonial conquest of French West Africa.

Archinard's campaigns brought about the end of the Tukulor Empire.

He also spent a large amount of energy fighting Samory Toure.

Bonnier had no instructions and decided to follow Archinard's advice, use his own judgement and seize Timbuktu.

In World War I, he commanded in August 1914 the 1er Group of Reserve Divisions, and in 1917-1918 the Polish Legion in France.