This industrial city in Alsace houses impressive car and train museums, Renaissance architecture, and repurposed factories. It's a gateway to Germany and Switzerland.
Mulhouse, a city in northeastern France's Alsace region, has evolved from its industrial past. Today, you can explore the Cité de l'Automobile with its collection of classic cars, or visit the Cité du Train to see historic locomotives. In the city center, you'll see Renaissance-era buildings like the Hôtel de Ville, while former factories now house artists' studios. Mulhouse's location near Germany and Switzerland makes it convenient for day trips to these neighboring countries.
Automobile and Train Museums
Mulhouse has several museums that showcase its industrial history. At the Cité de l'Automobile, you can view over 400 classic and prestige cars, including rare Bugattis. The Cité du Train displays locomotives and carriages from as far back as the 1840s. For something different, visit the Electropolis Museum where you can learn about electricity through interactive exhibits and see vintage machinery.
Renaissance Architecture in the City Center
The Place de la Réunion is the main square in Mulhouse's historic center. Here you'll see the Hôtel de Ville (town hall), a 16th-century building decorated with trompe l'oeil paintings depicting allegorical scenes. The nearby Temple Saint-Étienne, the tallest Protestant church in France, contains 14th-century stained glass windows from an earlier building on the site.
Parks and Gardens
Visit the Parc Zoologique et Botanique, a 25-hectare park with over 1200 animals from nearly 200 species, many of which are rare or endangered. The botanical section includes various plants, with 400 types of iris that bloom in summer. For a view of the surrounding area, you can climb the Tour du Belvedere. On clear days, you might see as far as the Black Forest.
Repurposed Industrial Sites
Many of Mulhouse's former industrial buildings now serve new purposes. Motoco, a large former textile factory, now houses studios for 140 artists and creative companies. This change reflects Mulhouse's shift from traditional manufacturing to arts and innovation. You can explore some of these spaces and buy locally-made art and design products in shops around the city.
Alsatian Cuisine
Try Mulhouse's local food, which incorporates elements from neighboring Germany and Switzerland. Local dishes include fleischschnaka (a meat-filled pastry roll) and flammekueche (a thin-crust tart topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon). You can drink Alsatian wine or locally-brewed beer with your meal. For fresh produce and regional products, visit the covered market.
Transportation and Location
Mulhouse is close to the borders of Germany and Switzerland, making it easy to visit these countries. The city has rail connections, with high-speed TGV trains reaching Paris in under 3 hours. The nearby EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg serves all three countries. Within Mulhouse, you can use the tram network to travel between attractions.
Festivals and Events
Mulhouse hosts various events throughout the year. In July, the Scènes de Rue festival brings street theater performances to the city. During winter, you can visit the annual Christmas market in the city center. If you enjoy music, attend the Météo Mulhouse Music Festival, which focuses on jazz and improvised music.
