Travel
6 greatest street journeys in Texas
Texas is massive – very massive. However Austin, Dallas, San Antonio and El Paso are easy-to-reach launchpads for scenic street journeys throughout the state. Simply be prepared for some lonely roads, notably in West Texas.
These are six of our favourite street journeys within the Lone Star State, from the kitschy charms of Route 66 within the Panhandle Plains to the windswept seashores of the Gulf Coast. High tip? Brake for dance halls and BBQ joints – wherever you’re.
1. Hill Nation
Finest scenic street journey
Austin–San Antonio; 200 miles
The Hill Country is without doubt one of the prettiest areas in Texas, particularly in spring when wildflowers bloom alongside the roadside. In Austin, take in the reside music and meals truck scene – and watch the bats swoop out from beneath the South Congress Bridge – earlier than heading west to Dripping Springs. Dubbed the Gateway to the Hill Nation, this welcoming small city is house to Jester King Brewery, Treaty Oak Distilling and Hamilton Pool Preserve. Wine nation begins right here too.
Swing north to the Lyndon B Johnson National Historic Park, which spotlights the thirty sixth president’s native roots throughout two historic cities: Johnson Metropolis and Stonewall. Proceed north to hike up the 425ft granite dome – a part of an unlimited underground batholith – at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area then dip south to discover vintage retailers and museums in German-settled Fredericksburg. After strolling the caverns in Boerne, conclude in San Antonio, the place The Alamo and the attractive River Walk anchor downtown.
Planning tip: Get your Texas playlist prepared with these tunes: New San Antonio Rose by Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys; Luckenbach, Texas by Waylon Jennings; On the Highway Once more by Willie Nelson; Amarillo by Morning by George Strait; What I Like about Texas by Jerry Jeff Walker & Gary P Nunn; Miles and Miles of Texas by Asleep on the Wheel; El Paso by Marty Robbins; Waltz Throughout Texas by Ernest Tubbs; Corpus Christi Bay by Robert Earl Eager; God Blessed Texas by Little Texas.
2. Huge Bend Loop
Finest off-the-beaten-path street journey
El Paso–El Paso; 900 miles
The Huge Bend area of West Texas isn’t the center of nowhere, however it is likely to be subsequent door. Murals pack a visible punch in El Paso, a scrappy start line for exploring West Texas. A drive east by means of the excessive desert results in distant Guadalupe Mountains National Park, house of the very best peak in Texas. Cool off within the spring-fed pool at Balmorhea State Park then settle in for world-class stargazing on the McDonald Observatory in tiny Fort Davis.
A battered faculty desk attracts intrepid hikers to the highest of Hancock Hill in Alpine, which qualifies as a metropolis round right here. Swing by means of Marathon earlier than driving into the guts of Big Bend National Park. Stargazing, mountain climbing within the Chisos Mountains, and admiring Santa Elena Canyon are only a few of the highlights right here.
The Rio Grande looks like your sidekick whereas driving scenic FM 170 west by means of Big Bend Ranch State Park. With minimalist artwork, mysterious lights, and attractive Marfalafel on supply, the town of Marfa is the proper of bizarre. And simply as you suppose you’re driving again into regular in your return to El Paso, Prada Marfa rises up from the desert to say, “Not fairly but.”
3. Houston & the Gulf Coast
Finest street journey for seashores
Houston–South Padre Island; 600 miles
A drive alongside the Gulf Coast delivers birdwatching, kayaking, coastal conviviality and oh-so-many seashores. Immerse your self in Houston’s tradition and delicacies, then pull over for Space Center Houston – the place the tram passes the Apollo Mission Management Heart – in your drive to the coast. The primary cease on the Gulf is Galveston, a barrier island the place sunny seashores and old-school Southern appeal reign supreme. Whooping cranes winter at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge whereas galleries and eating places shine in pedestrian-friendly Rockport.
Sit back in winsome Port Aransas, a small seaside city with a giant persona. Escape the crowds at Padre Island National Seashore, the place you may kayak and windsurf and likewise drive on the seaside. Discover museums and the aquarium in Corpus Christi, then drive south for an end-of-trip embrace of festive seaside dwelling on South Padre Island. Though it is likely to be a contact too festive throughout spring break.
Native tip: Let the Texas panorama shock you. At least 35 ecoregions exist right here. Opposite to stereotypes, white-sand seashores, hovering pine forests and snowcapped mountains are all a part of the image. Indigenous birds, mammals and alligators outnumber the top of cattle right here. All instructed, the pure sights are a significant motive to go to Texas.
4. Route 66 & the Texas Panhandle Loop
Finest street journey for American kitsch
Amarillo–Amarillo; 450 miles
This windswept drive tackles the Mom Highway and the Panhandle Plains with breezy, and we imply breezy, aplomb. About midway between Chicago and Los Angeles on the outdated Route 66, Amarillo is a cattle city with a kitschy aspect – simply step contained in the neon-fronted Big Texan Steak Ranch. As quite a few billboards attest, diners can earn a free 72oz steak – if they will eat it in an hour!
In your drive east on Route 66, pull over for the Leaning Water Tower and the World’s Tallest Cross in Groom, the barbed wire museum in McLean and the U-Drop Inn in Shamrock – it was the mannequin for Ramone’s Physique Store within the Pixar film Automobiles.
Drop south throughout the plains to discover the magnificent Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon within the US behind the Grand Canyon. Lubbock is house to the Buddy Holly Center, which honors the rockabilly legend, and the incredible Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. Drive north to finish the loop at Cadillac Ranch, the place 10 Cadillacs are buried hood-first on the windy plains on the western outskirts of Amarillo. Route 66 runs for 177 miles throughout Texas, usually overlapping with I-40.
5. Fort Price, Dallas & Northeast Texas
Finest street journey for quintessential Texas
Fort Price–Jefferson; 250 miles
Stockyards, museums, oil derricks and outside journey. This street journey is all Texas. Discover the historic stockyards in Fort Worth, a stopover for cattle drives on the Chisholm Path, then dive into artwork and historical past in Dallas, a fancy oil business hub. The town can be house to the Sixth Floor Museum, which delves into the assassination of JFK right here in 1963.
From Dallas, drive east by means of Northeast Texas, a area referred to as the Piney Woods attributable to its in depth pine forests. Roses and spring azaleas carry manicured appeal to Tyler whereas oil wells carry cash to thoughts in Kilgore. The sweetness will get wild – and barely eerie – among the many moss-covered cypress timber in swampy Caddo Lake, which branches off into bayous and tributaries ready-made for adventurous paddlers. Unwind in charismatic Jefferson, a wild riverboat city within the 1800s now recognized for its Greek-revival houses, brick streets, and gentile Southern spirit.
Native tip: Stretch your legs in Dallas. The key artwork and historical past sights are concentrated blissfully shut collectively, one thing you will admire given the general sprawl. Downtown museums and Arts District sights close by are in areas simply traversed both by strolling or taking the McKinney Ave trolley.
6. Texas BBQ and Dance Halls
Finest street journey for a rollicking enjoyable time
Austin–Gruene; 100 miles, 350 miles should you take the detour
Two issues Texas does extraordinarily effectively? BBQ and dance halls. This street journey might not be essentially the most scenic or essentially the most direct, however it’s a blast. Convey a transportable chair and relaxation your legs whereas ready within the line at Franklin BBQ in Austin – you’re gonna want ‘em at full energy later with all of the two-stepping happening on the legendary Damaged Spoke. Head west to the Hill Nation for dancing at Mercer Dance Corridor in Driftwood then dig within the subsequent day at Salt Lick, the place the indecisive ought to go for the family-style all-you-can-eat platter.
Swing southeast for a BBQ quadruple-threat in Lockhart. Designated the BBQ capital of Texas by the state legislature, it’s house to Black’s Barbecue, Kreuz Market (don’t ask for sauce or a fork), Chisholm Trail Bar-B-Q and Smitty’s Market. When your stomach is full, it is only a 45-minute drive southwest to the worn wood dance ground at Gruene Hall. Open since 1878, it’s the oldest regularly working dance corridor in Texas. Music nightly. Beer chilly. Happiness assured.
Detour: It’s a 75-mile haul northwest from Driftwood to Llano for brisket at Louie Mueller, which opened in 1949, and at Cooper’s Outdated Time Pit BBQ, which opened in 1963. However hey, they’re Texas classics and value a visit should you’re critical about your BBQ. Cease by Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in your drive south to tiny Luckenbach. Made well-known by Willie and Waylon’s catchy tune, Luckenbach is house to a different beloved dance corridor. It’s additionally a laid-back place to sip a beer beneath the oak timber on a lazy afternoon.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe primary go to of Hawaiian royals to London two centuries in the past will characteristic in a brand new exhibit on the British Museum.
Hawai’i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans is a “dazzling celebration of the wealthy artistry of Hawaiian makers, previous current and future”, based on the museum.
The exhibition, which opens in January, will commemorate greater than 200 years for the reason that go to of Hawaiian King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu to London in 1824 when the royal delegation have been searching for an alliance and safety from the Crown.
This journey to the capital included a go to to the British Museum – the primary file of Native Hawaiian royals on the museum.
Royal Assortment Enterprises LtdThe exhibition will characteristic round 150 objects and artworks together with many by no means seen within the UK.
Among the many highlights is an ahu ʻula, a feathered cloak despatched in 1810 by the primary king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III.
Lent by King Charles III from the Royal Assortment, the cloak will probably be on show for the primary time in over 100 years, alongside the Hawaiian king’s authentic letter requesting assist and safety from the British Crown.
Trustees of the British MuseumGuests to the museum will probably be greeted on the steps of the Nice Courtroom by a nine-foot (2.7m) picture of the god Kū, the god of warfare and governance, dressed with a recent loincloth and standing atop a pole rediscovered inside a historic plinth.
A finely carved drum accompanied by an historic chant recounting early Polynesian migrations to Hawaii will characteristic alongside a bowl with determine, not too long ago returned from mortgage to Hawaii’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, that represents actions of individuals and objects between the Pacific and the UK.
The Anglo-Franco proclamation of 1843, on mortgage from The Nationwide Archives, highlights the UK and France’s formal recognition of Hawaii’s independence and emphasises diplomatic bonds between the nations.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe creation of the exhibition concerned “the meticulous conservation of ancestral treasures and the inclusion of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) all through the area”, the British Museum mentioned.
Dr Alice Christophe, head of Oceania on the museum, mentioned the exhibit is a tribute to Native Hawaiian makers, previous and current.
She added: “It tells the story of the deep and layered relationship between Hawaii and the UK, reflecting on care, sovereignty and the complexity of allyship.
“We hope this present will spark conversations and uplift folks within the archipelago and past.”
The exhibition will run from 15 January to 25 May 2026.
France is a rustic steeped in historical past, and nowhere is that this extra evident than its fantastically preserved medieval cities.
From Alsace’s timber-framed homes to Provence’s dramatic hilltop villages.
These cities permit guests to step again in time, wander cobblestone streets, marvel at historical structure, and expertise the appeal of bygone eras.
On this listing, we’ve gathered 20 of the best-preserved medieval cities in France that you simply completely should see.
20 Greatest Medieval Cities in France To Go to
Scroll down to find the 20 finest medieval cities in France that needs to be on each historical past buff and tradition fanatic’s bucket listing!
1. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr is a picturesque village in Alsace typically described as some of the lovely in France.
Its well-preserved Sixteenth-century structure, with colourful half-timbered homes lining slender cobblestone streets, makes it really feel like stepping right into a fairy story.
Guests ought to come right here to expertise the distinctive Alsatian tradition, discover the encircling vineyards, and style the area’s well-known wines.
Don’t miss the Dolder Tower, a Thirteenth-century defensive gate, or wine cellars providing tastings. The Alsace villages are among the most picturesque places in France.
2. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim, a cute fairytale town in France, is thought for its concentric round format and vibrant floral shows.
The city’s magnificence lies in its colourful medieval homes, charming central sq., and surrounding vineyards.
Guests will take pleasure in strolling by the slender streets, visiting the Chapel of St. Leo IX, and mountain climbing the close by Three Castles path.
The city can also be well-known for its storks, which nest on rooftops throughout summer time.
3. Rocamadour, Occitanie
One in all France’s most unique towns is Rocamadour, a vertical village dramatically constructed into the face of a cliff. Its beautiful location and spiritual significance make it a must-visit place that needs to be in your France bucket list.
The city is dwelling to a number of vital spiritual websites, together with the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Guests can climb the Grand Escalier (Nice Staircase) to the château on the prime, which gives breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon.
4. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
Sarlat is without doubt one of the best-preserved medieval cities in France, well-known for its golden stone buildings and gastronomic delights.
Guests ought to come right here to wander the labyrinthine streets, discover the bustling market, and take pleasure in native specialties like foie gras and truffles.
Don’t miss the panoramic view from the highest of the Sainte-Marie church tower or a go to to the Manoir de Gisson.
5. Dinan, Brittany
Dinan is a walled city recognized for its spectacular ramparts, half-timbered homes, and picturesque port.
Guests will love strolling alongside the previous metropolis partitions, exploring the quaint Rue du Jerzual, and having fun with a meal at one of many cafes alongside the previous port.
The city’s magnificence is enhanced by its location overlooking the Rance River. Go to the Château de Dinan and climb the Tour de l’Horloge for panoramic views.
6. Honfleur, Normandy
Honfleur, with its picturesque previous harbor and slate-covered home facades, has lengthy been a favourite topic for artists.
Guests come for the charming ambiance, maritime historical past, and glorious seafood eating places.
Key points of interest embody the wood Church of Saint Catherine, the Eugene Boudin Museum, and the gorgeous Jardin des Personnalités.
7. Perouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Perouges is a superbly preserved medieval walled city that appears frozen in time. Its cobbled streets and stone homes make it a preferred movie location.
Guests ought to expertise life in a Fifteenth-century city, style the native specialty “galette de Pérouges,” and benefit from the peaceable ambiance. Don’t miss the central Place du Tilleul or the Eglise-Forteresse.
8. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
Perched excessive above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a shocking medieval village that has impressed many artists. Its magnificence lies in its dramatic setting, Gothic facades, and slender alleyways.
Guests can discover quite a few artisan outlets, hike within the surrounding space, or take a ship journey on the Lot River. The village is especially magical within the night when the day-trippers have left.
9. Gordes, Provence
Gordes is a placing hilltop village within the Luberon area, well-known for its stone buildings cascading down the hillside.
Guests come for the breathtaking views, particularly at sundown, and to discover the encircling lavender fields and olive groves.
Key points of interest embody the Sixteenth-century château, the close by Sénanque Abbey, and the standard Tuesday market.
10. Locronan, Brittany
Locronan is a small city that has maintained its Renaissance appeal, with granite homes and an exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the dearth of seen trendy infrastructure, making it really feel actually timeless. The city is thought for its spiritual heritage, conventional Breton festivals, and as a filming location.
Don’t miss the Church of Saint Ronan or the native artisan workshops.
11. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Occitanie
Cordes-sur-Ciel, or “Cordes within the Sky,” is aptly named for its hilltop location, typically shrouded in morning mist. This bastide city is thought for its well-preserved Gothic structure and thriving arts scene.
Guests ought to come to discover the medieval homes, go to artisan workshops, and revel in panoramic views of the countryside. The city hosts a well-known medieval competition every July.
12. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in France, a medieval marvel that rises dramatically from the ocean.
This UNESCO World Heritage website is a small rocky island topped by a shocking abbey and surrounded by a picturesque village.
Guests are drawn by its distinctive structure, wealthy historical past, and the fascinating phenomenon of maximum tides that isolate and join it to the mainland.
Discover the winding streets, go to the magnificent abbey, and be taught concerning the website’s significance as a pilgrimage heart.
13. Minerve, Occitanie
Minerve is a small village with a dramatic historical past, perched on a rocky peninsula between two deep gorges. Guests come for its Cathar historical past, beautiful pure setting, and glorious native wines.
Discover the village’s slender streets, go to the Twelfth-century church, and be taught concerning the Cathar siege on the small museum.
14. Monpazier, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Monpazier is without doubt one of the best-preserved bastide cities in France, recognized for its excellent grid format and exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the well-preserved medieval and Seventeenth-century structure, the lined market corridor, and the peaceable ambiance.
15. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled between two rocky cliffs, with a star suspended on a series between them.
The city is known for its advantageous porcelain and proximity to the Verdon Gorge – one of many best places in the French Riviera area.
Guests ought to discover the slender streets, go to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched above the city, and store for native ceramics.
16. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Occitanie
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a serene medieval village tucked right into a dramatic gorge on the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela.
Its UNESCO-listed Gellone Abbey, with its exceptional Romanesque structure, rises above a maze of slender streets and stone homes.
Don’t miss the abbey’s lovely cloister, the Place de la Liberté with its historical elm tree, or the satan’s bridge spanning the gorge.
17. Conques, Occitanie
Conques is a jewel of Romanesque artwork nestled in a wooded gorge in Occitanie.
Its magnificent Abbey Church of Saint Foy, with its intricate tympanum and golden reliquary, has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years alongside the Santiago de Compostela route.
Don’t miss the treasury’s medieval goldsmith assortment, the carved capitals within the cloister, or the sundown view from the Bancarel viewpoint.
18. Najac, Occitanie
Najac is a shocking medieval fortress city perched dramatically alongside a single ridge excessive above the Aveyron River.
Its majestic Thirteenth-century royal fortress stands on the highest level, whereas the village’s stone and half-timbered homes stretch alongside the ridge in a novel linear format.
Don’t miss the Gothic church of Saint-Jean with its uncommon fortified options, the panoramic views from the fortress hold, or the traditional lined market corridor the place native farmers promote their produce.
19. Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Vézelay is a hilltop village in Burgundy topped by its magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.
This UNESCO World Heritage website rises majestically above the Remedy Valley, its golden stone glowing within the sundown whereas its medieval streets are lined with historic homes and ramparts.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the Burgundian countryside, or the home the place Jules Roy lived, now a literature museum.
20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a remarkably preserved medieval city perched on a hilltop close to Good, remodeled into an inventive haven within the twentieth century.
Its large medieval ramparts encircle slender cobblestone streets lined with elegant stone homes, whereas up to date artwork galleries and boutiques occupy historical buildings.
Remaining Ideas on The Greatest French Medieval Cities
Exploring France’s medieval cities is like stepping right into a residing historical past e-book.
Every village gives a novel glimpse into the nation’s wealthy previous, well-preserved structure, and timeless appeal.
From the long-lasting Mont Saint-Michel to the lesser-known gems like Perouges, these cities present unforgettable experiences for historical past lovers, tradition lovers, and informal vacationers alike.
Able to plan your trip in France? Use our complete France Travel Guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the unbelievable locations.
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