Don't expect Houston to offer coastal beaches or mountain vistas. The fourth-largest city in the États-Unis plays the modernity card instead to seduce you. Climb to the top of the Chase Tower, the tallest skyscraper in all of Texas, and you'll understand that here, they think big.

History

John Kirby Allen and Augustus Chapman Allen founded the city of Houston in 1836 on a vast expanse of land they had acquired along the banks of Buffalo Bayou. They named it after General Sam Houston, hero of the Battle of San Jacinto and first president of the Republic of Texas. During the Civil War, General John Bank Head McGruder established his headquarters in Houston and assembled his troops there for the Battle of Galveston. Houston's oil history began in the early 1900s. Learning of the discovery, investors came and spurred the growth of the black gold industry in the region. Becoming an economic hub of Texas, the city grew with a cosmopolitan population.

Repeatedly struck by hurricanes and floods, Houston has always rebounded with the determination to go further. In 1962, NASA established the Manned Spacecraft Center there, and when astronauts reached the Moon in 1969, the first word they spoke was "Houston".

Discovering Houston

Spend a week in Houston and it will fulfill your dreams of escape. The city has much to offer—far too much for a brief visit. Taste the American way of life by immersing yourself in its urban-chic environment. Discover a modern architectural landscape, a melting pot of cultures, and a rich array of activities.

A city steeped in modernity

When you arrive in Houston, what first captures the eye are the immense modern office towers. The JPMorgan Chase Tower (305 m), the Wells Fargo Plaza (302 m), and the Williams Tower (275 m) trace the city's skyline. Climate-controlled underground walkways connect downtown buildings to spare you from intense heat and humidity in summer. Add to the scene stadiums with whimsical designs where professional teams like the Texans, the Rockets, and the Astros take the stage. In terms of quality of life, Houston surpasses many major cities. Recreational areas like Hermann Park allow you to occasionally escape the urban bustle.

A crossroads of many cultures

In Houston, your meals will never be the same. One evening, you'll dine at an Asian restaurant. The next day, you'll savor a stew with African flavors. It's the same for shopping. You can buy cowboy boots at Lucchese, just as you can purchase saris at Westpark. Looking for luxury ready-to-wear? Head to the Galleria or River Oaks to see collections from Gucci or Brunello Cucinelli. Of course, like all megacities, Houston hides its Chinatowns. Latinos also have their own haunt in Gulfton. To find yourself in a slightly funky setting, venture to Montrose, while those wishing to admire the residences of oil barons will set their sights on Shadyside.

Museums, concerts, nightlife…

Craving a musical interlude? Attend a symphony concert at the Houston Grand Opera. For more eccentric evenings, head to Neartown, which also welcomes LGBT communities. Houston boasts world-class museums. Don't miss: the Museum of Fine Arts, the Menil Collection, the Houston Children's Museum, the Houston Museum of African American Culture…

When to visit?

Two periods are recommended to make the most of your Houston vacation: February to April and September to November. Its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico gives the city a warm climate for most of the year. Compared to summer, temperatures are far more conducive to outdoor activities in spring and fall, during which the city hosts a variety of festivals. Winters in Houston are mild and it rarely snows.

By plane

You can take a direct flight to Houston from Paris. Connecting flights are available from Nice, Marseille, Lyon, and Toulouse. Planes land at Houston's George Bush International Airport, located about thirty kilometers from downtown. From the terminal, allow approximately 25 minutes by shuttle or taxi to reach the city center.

By train

Located behind Preston Street, Houston's Amtrak station is served by trains from major cities in Texas and neighboring states.

By car

To access downtown from the airport, take the Hardy Toll Road, then continue on I-45 S toward N Milam Street. Exit at 48A and follow N Milam Street to Louisiana Street.

By bus

Upon leaving the airport, board bus 102 to reach downtown Houston. The journey takes just under an hour. There's a bus every 30 minutes.

By bus

The Metro transit network covers most of the city. Tickets cost 1 dollar at vending machines. Make sure you have change to pay.

By taxi

Houston is full of taxis—you'll have no trouble finding one anywhere. It's a convenient way to get around, but rides are expensive (1 dollar per kilometer).

By car

Since Houston is very sprawling, having your own car is the best way to explore the city. Rest assured, parking is easy to find and traffic is well organized. Car rental agencies have offices at the airport. Budget around 30 dollars per day.

What to do in Houston?

• Admire the city from the JPMorgan Chase Tower observation deck
• Attend an NFL game at NRG Stadium
• Shop at River Oaks
• Watch a show at Houston Grand Opera
• Visit the Manned Spacecraft Center, etc.