Travel guide Texas

The 2nd Amendment Cowboy of Amarillo will tell you: don't touch his gun! A hotly debated topic in the U.S., it's in Texas that you'll find true supporters of the right to bear arms: a constitutional right and freedom, second only to the right to free speech. It's best to assume that everyone has one.

Texas barbecue is world-famous, and its origins tell a story. A fusion of meat-cooking methods is the result of encounters between natives and Spanish settlers, then finally German immigrants. This method involves smoking meat over a fire for a long time, using local wood.

We don't recommend visiting Texas in summer, because it's simply too hot. The locals themselves will tell you: stay at home under the cool air-conditioning, and don't go outside! It's best to come during milder seasons, such as autumn or the Christmas festivities.

It's essential to set off on your road-trip with a suitable playlist, especially if you're planning to drive for several hours. Willie Nelson, Cosmic Cowboys, Jerry Jeff Walker, Wailin Jennings, Buddy Holly, Ray Price ... Country music will take you on a journey just by listening. And head to a honky-tonk for some line dancing!

Texas and cowboy mean stereotype, accompanied by Hollywood myths. Yes, Billy the Kid really did exist, murdered in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. And yes, you'll probably see Texans walking around in cowboy hats. That's not to say they're cowboysthemselves, originally shepherds called vaqueros.

The largest desert in North America, the Chihuahua Desert stretches across Texas, New Mexico and Mexico. Like any desert, you'll experience scorching temperatures during the day and freezing temperatures at night. You'll find many species of cactus, and clear nights offering spectacular views of the Milky Way.

Some say that Texas is twice the size of France, which is only a slight exaggeration ... Texas and New Mexico share majestic, infinite landscapes where the sky takes up 3/4 of your field of vision, as in Big Bend National Park: one of the places with the least light pollution in the world!

The Texas and New Mexico regions have been populated by many native tribes, and some still remain on Indian reservations. Many of these tribes have unfortunately been displaced from their homelands. One iconic tribe is the Comanche, who were victims of a process of extermination starting in 1836.

Texas longhorns are the result of a mixed breeding between a line of Spanish cows and a line of English cows. They are at the heart of Texas folklore, with their long horns that can grow to over two meters! The longhorn with the longest horns is Cowboy Tuff Chex, with a record of 2.64 meters.

Don't be surprised to see hydraulic fracturing equipment, such as oil pumps, scattered here and there, on the side of the road or in the middle of town. It's totally normal: Texas has oil almost everywhere, and that's what makes it so rich. Hydraulic fracturing itself was invented by a Texan.

Originating with Spanish settlers, herds of cows accompanied by vaqueros made their way across Mexico to Texas. Today, ranching culture is imprinted on the Texan identity, with some ranches open to the public for horseback riding or lodging. One of the best places to stay on a trip to Texas!

Melted American cheddar on a taco? Yum! Adored by Texans, Tex-Mex dishes are ubiquitous. It's not necessarily the healthiest, but it's very good, in fusion with Mexican gastronomy. So expect spicy, heavy dishes. For those over 21, it's always best with margaritas!