Steeped in cowboy legend, Texas is a south-central state of the United States, bordering Mexico, south of Oklahoma, west of Louisiana and east of New Mexico. Discover everything you need to know about Texas in this travel guide: history, top tourist sites and practical advice.

History

Texas was an independent nation from 1836 to 1845. The first European to set foot in Texas was Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, a Spanish conquistador, in 1528. Before European conquest, indigenous peoples including Apaches, Comanches, and Cherokees lived together throughout the region.

After initial conflicts in which France, Spain, and the United Kingdom fought over the Texas coast along the Gulf of Mexico, Texas became a Spanish possession. In 1803, France was forced to cede Louisiana to the Americans for the handsome sum of 15 million dollars.

The rodeo is a legacy of this colonial era. Spanish ranchers took pride in breaking wild horses and bulls. They operated vast haciendas with white overseers and enslaved indigenous people. Extensive livestock ranching was also widespread. The stable hands responsible for herding cattle were the cowboys.

Texas fell under Mexican rule in 1821. The Texans were quick to revolt. The siege of the Alamo, which claimed 200 lives, was one of the most significant events of this revolution. Yet victory comes to those who persevere.

Following the Battle of San Jacinto, General Santa Anna was forced to recognize Texas independence through the Treaty of Velasco. Texas was officially admitted to the Union in 1845.

Today, the 2nd Most Populous State in the United States

With 29 million inhabitants, Texas is the second most populous state in America. Its administrative capital is Austin, but the largest city is Houston.

The oil and gas industry is the backbone of the economy. Tourism is growing, with solid prospects for expansion.

What to See and Do in Texas?

1. Major Texan Cities

Begin your discovery of Texas with its great metropolises, where historic heritage, art, music, and vibrant urban life unfold.

San Antonio

A historic and romantic city, San Antonio will captivate you with its colonial charm and peaceful atmosphere. Among the must-see attractions, you'll find:

• The San Antonio River Walk, a verdant promenade along the river, lined with restaurants, bars, and art galleries;
• The Alamo Fort, the most visited monument in Texas, a symbol of the Texan Revolution;
• The historic El Mercado market, one of the largest Mexican markets in the United States, ideal for discovering local crafts and specialties.

The Capital of Texas

Texas's capital, Austin, is renowned for its vibrant music scene and laid-back lifestyle. The most popular attractions in this city are:

• The Texas Capitol, an architectural masterpiece, taller than the one in Washington;
• The 6th Street music scene, famous for its bars, live concerts, and festivals;
• Lady Bird Lake and its cycling trails, perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or a sunset stroll.

Dallas and Fort Worth

Dallas and Fort Worth, though neighboring, offer two complementary faces of Texas: one modern and urban, the other traditional and rooted in cowboy heritage.

Discover:

• The Dallas Museum of Art and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, for a glimpse into American culture and history;
• The Fort Worth Stockyards, a historic district where the cowboy spirit still thrives through rodeos and cattle drives;
• The Fort Worth Water Gardens, an urban oasis in the heart of the city;
• The Fort Worth Modern Art Museum, for an immersion into contemporary creation.

Houston

A dynamic and cosmopolitan metropolis, Houston will captivate you with its cultural eclecticism. Its best tourist sites include:

• Space Center Houston, which plunges visitors into the secrets of NASA and space exploration;
• The Museum of Fine Arts, housing over 5,000 works spanning 6,000 years of art history;
• The Museum District and Houston Zoo, recommended for a family outing.

2. Parks and Natural Landscapes

Texas's vast territory unfolds an incredible variety of landscapes, from salt marshes to lush dense forests, passing through wild mountains.

The Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains national parks are among the most visited.

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park, situated on the Mexican border, reveals grandiose desert landscapes, between canyons, mountains, and the Rio Grande River.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, canoeing, rafting, or simply stargazing beneath one of the clearest skies in North America.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Not far from El Paso, the Guadalupe Mountains rise their snow-capped peaks above the desert, inviting hikers to an exploration rich in color.

Bird enthusiast? You'll observe blue jays, golden eagles, and doves.

3. Beach Resorts on the Gulf of Mexico

Craving sun, ocean, and relaxation? Head to the Gulf of Mexico beaches and their resorts bathed in warm waves.

Padre Island

This barrier island, bordered by golden beaches, is a haven of relaxation. You can camp under the stars, go surfing, or observe sea turtles.

Corpus Christi

The Corpus Christi resort, nestled in a vast bay, is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. It's perfect for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and sailing.

Galveston

Galveston is a chic beach resort with retro charm. It will enchant you with its magnificent beaches, historic hotels, marina, and waterfront promenade.

4. Unique Texas Sites

Texas also has its share of surprises: singular places, open-air artworks, and extraordinary desert atmospheres.

Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo)

This iconic street art installation is known for its Cadillacs planted in the ground, covered with graffiti. Anyone can add their splash of color.

Marfa

Marfa is an open-air contemporary art center lost in the desert. Between art installations, minimalist galleries, and unexplained light phenomena, it attracts art lovers from around the world.

5. Cultural Experience and Road Trip

To experience the Texan spirit in all its authenticity, nothing beats the open road, ranches, cowboy culture, and local festivals.

The Ranches

Experience the cowboy life, attend rodeos, horseback riding, and share the life of ranchers.

Scenic Routes

Embark on a road trip through deserts, hills, and endless plains, among cacti and endless horizons, following legendary routes like Route 66 or the Hill Country Scenic Drive.

The Festivals

Vibe to the rhythm of Texas's major events:

• South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, dedicated to music, film, and technology;
• Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, the world's largest rodeo;
• Fiesta San Antonio, a colorful celebration of Mexican heritage;
• Austin City Limits Music Festival, a must for live music lovers;
• or the Texas State Fair in Dallas, one of the oldest and largest fairs in the United States.

6. Texan Cuisine

Finally, don't leave Texas without tasting its signature flavors. Local cuisine blends American traditions, Mexican heritage, and barbecue spirit. Treat yourself to Texas barbecue, fragrant chili con carne, or classic Tex-Mex like tacos and enchiladas. And to finish on a sweet note, try the famous pecan pie, an essential dessert throughout the state.

When to Visit Texas?

Visit Texas between March and May or between October and November. The climate is mild and pleasant.

Avoid summer, which is often very hot and humid, especially in the east, and winter, which is colder and windier in the north and west of the state.

The main entry point to Texas from Europe is Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. The duration of a Paris-Dallas flight is estimated at 11 hours for a direct flight.

Approximately 29 km and 24 km of road separate the downtown areas of Fort Worth and Dallas, respectively, from Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. To reach your hotel, several transportation options are available: the Dallas Area Rapid Transit express bus, the Skylink shuttle, the TRE light rail line, or taxi. Good news: most Texas taxis are equipped with meters.

The strength of the air network contributes to Texas's tourism success. To travel at your own pace in Texas, it's recommended to rent your own vehicle or benefit from a car with a private driver.

Flight can nonetheless save you time and help you discover Texas's major cities. The same applies if you plan to stop in Amarillo or Brownsville. Public transportation such as buses, trains, or streetcars will only help you get around within major urban centers.

FAQ on Texas

What is the most beautiful city in Texas?

With its River Walk, historic buildings, and Hispanic atmosphere, San Antonio is often considered the most beautiful city in Texas.

What are the three largest cities in Texas?

The three largest cities in Texas are Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas, all recognized for their dynamism, growth, and rich cultural diversity.

What is the area of Texas?

Texas covers approximately 695,000 km², larger than mainland France. It's the second-largest state in the United States after Alaska.

What is the typical drink of Texas?

Dr Pepper, invented in Waco in 1885, is the emblematic beverage of the state. It's a true source of pride for Texans.