Hon hon, how many Texans say "Bonjour"?
Ever craved a croissant while cruising down I-10, or maybe you just yearn for a beret to complete your Houston hustle? You might be wondering, just how many French folks are there sharing the Texas sun (and dodging the hurricanes) with us mere mortals?
The French Connection: A Brief History (and It Ain't About Baking)
Texas has a weird and wonderful history, and believe it or not, the French played a part! Back in the 1600s, René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, tried to establish a French colony near Galveston Bay. It didn't exactly go according to plan (turns out, Texas wasn't quite ready for baguettes and berets back then), but hey, at least they gave it a shot, right?
Fast Forward to Today: French Fry Frenzy in H-Town
Alright, alright, so the French colonization attempt didn't stick. But that doesn't mean there aren't any French folks in Houston these days. While there isn't an official count of berets per capita, estimates suggest there are over 15,500 native French speakers calling Houston home. That's a fair few folks who probably dream in metric and can identify every type of cheese from a whiff.
So, Where Do You Find These Elusive French Fry Fanatics?
Houston is a diverse melting pot, and the French community isn't all concentrated in one fancy-schmancy part of town. However, if you're looking to brush up on your French or snag a pain au chocolat, you might want to check out some of these spots:
- The French Consulate: Brush up on your diplomatic skills and maybe snag a free croissant (hey, a guy can dream).
- Alliance Française de Houston: Looking to learn French or reconnect with your inner Parisian? This cultural organization is your best bet.
- French-owned restaurants and cafes: Support your local French foodie scene and indulge in some delicious cuisine.
The Verdict: Houston's French Population - Oui or Non?
Houston might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of French hotspots, but there's a definite "oui" to a thriving French community here. From the descendants of early explorers to young professionals seeking new opportunities, Houston's got a bit of France baked right in (though maybe not literally baked, because, you know, Texas heat).
So next time you hear someone muttering about missing their baguette fix, or see a beret-clad cyclist dodging traffic, remember, Houston's got a more international flair than you might think. Just don't expect everyone to know how to surrender a parking spot – this is Texas, after all!
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
