Travel guide Texas
The largest state in the United States behind Alaska, Lonesome State has forged a strong identity throughout its history, from its native Amerindian tribes to Spanish and then Anglo-Saxon colonization, from its annexation to Mexico to its incorporation into the United States in 1845. Cowboys, squeaky saloons cradled with country music, deserts of the Great West where ageless ranches thrive year in and year out, rodeos and western scenery... even today, the mythical Texas still lives up to its reputation. However, we will be surprised to discover teeming and dynamic metropolises, each with its own unique physiognomy and strong character: the sprawling Houston and its countless districts, San Antonio la Latino, Dallas and its many museums or the vibrant Austin, rebel capital, temple of live music, and undermined by the freedoms claimed in the heart of one of the most conservative states in the United States. But the territory is even larger, and the rugged territories and wilderness of the Texas Wild West, from the Piney Woods forests to the incredible and flowery Big Bend National Park located at the source of the mythical Rio Grande River and the Mexican border, passing through the towering Guadalupe Mountains where myriads of birds fly, the central windblown plains or the burning deserts of the state's southwest. The Texas tour guide will take you from the hoarse song of the cow keeper to the sacrosanct Texas barbecue, take you for a few dance steps in a Honky tonk. Howdy y'all!
What to see, what to do Texas?
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When to go Texas ?
When to go to Texas? As in Europe, the main movements of vacationers take place during the holiday season and the summer vacations. In addition, there are large crowds during Spring Break, which takes place in March. There are also long three-day weekends for Thanksgiving and Memorial Day, among others. When to go to Texas then? The best times to travel to Texas are probably late April/early May or late September/early October.
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How to go Texas
How to go alone
The average price of a Paris-Houston or Paris-Dallas flight ranges from €800 to €1,500. It should be noted that the price variation depends on the company borrowed, but above all, on the time required to make a reservation. To obtain attractive rates, it is essential to do so well in advance. Remember to buy your tickets six months before departure!
How to go on a tour
If there are many travel agencies including Texas in their catalog, it is often combined with other states of the American Deep South. However, if you look a little bit, you will be able to find all-inclusive trips to the land of the cowboys: sports trip, family vacation, honeymoon, self-tour... Everything is possible!
How to get around
Depending on your time and your budget on site, several travel options. The cities of Dallas, Houston, Killeen, San Antonio and Austin are the departure points for domestic flights for many airlines. On the train side, unfortunately the Amtrak network has been almost abandoned in Texas, so it will be very difficult for you to travel by train across the state. On the other hand, the car is the usual mode of travel in Texas, whether from one city to another or within the same urban area (where taxis and VTCs also work perfectly). More economical, the bus: municipal in town (it is advisable to bring quarters), inter-city, with the Greyhound company.
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Discover Texas
The second largest state in the country after Alaska, Texas is a world apart. To us, it's oil wells, ranches and cowboys, great plains and cattle. The state's name comes from the Native American Caddo tejas meaning "friend" or "ally". It has been known as the Lone Star State since its independence in 1836. Route 66 runs only in the north - the Panhandle Plains - for 286 km, 241 of which are still passable. It is one of the shortest routes, after Kansas. Two sections of the original Route 66 are now private (between Alanreed and Jericho, and between Adrian and Glenrio). As you approach them, you'll have to get on Hwy-40 for several miles. The rest of the time, the Frontage Road is the one to follow most of the time. The feelings on this route will alternate between wonder at the wide open spaces and boredom at the flatness of some stretches.
The 12 keywords Texas
1. Weapons
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.
2. Barbecue
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.
3. Heat
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.
4. Country music
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!
5. Cowboys
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.
6. Desert
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.
7. Large spaces
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!
8. Indians
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.
9. Longhorn
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.
10. Oil
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.
11. Ranch
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!
12. Tex-mex
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!
You are from here, if...
You say "y'all " to mean "all of you". Short for "you all","y'all" is an expression typical of the American South and typical of the famous"southern hospitality ". An important word with a Southern sound that you'll hear often.
You've got a car the size of a truck. OK - we're exaggerating, or almost. But don't be surprised to see XXL cars.
You've got a gun. Yes, everyone has at least one! The famous southern hospitality paradoxically goes hand in hand with a strong need for security and self-defense. Texas is an"open carry" state, which means that anyone can carry a gun in their pocket.
You're a practicing Christian. This may seem trivial to a French person, but not to South Americans, and especially not in Texas or New Mexico. The Church is a real institution at the heart of society.