On the borders of Germany and Switzerland, Mulhouse is one of France's industrial capitals. Its many specialized museums are testimony to this. Despite its rich industrial past, the city boasts a number of charming squares and historic monuments. Among them, the Place de la Réunion is the historic center of this Alsatian town. To discover the secrets of French industry and Alsace's cultural heritage, don't hesitate to visit Mulhouse. Here are our 15 must-sees.
1- Visit the historic city center
Start your visit to Mulhouse in the historic center, centered around the Place de la Réunion. This is where the city's heart has been beating since the Middle Ages. Don't miss the Bollwerk Tower, erected in 1930. This tower is one of the oldest remains of the city's fortifications. For shopping, head for Rue du Sauvage, a pedestrian shopping street. For fans of more modern architecture, the Tour de l'Europe is a landmark building in Mulhouse.
Activities to book: discover the history of Alsace's second-largest city by booking a guided tour of Mulhouse here.
2- Visit the Cité du Train
Europe's largest railway museum. With over 30,000m² of exhibition space, the Cité du Train - Patrimoine SNCF presents the history of the French railroads from 1844 to the present day. You'll see many locomotives on display, including 111 Buddicom n°33, the oldest steam locomotive preserved in Europe. In addition to its two covered halls, the Cité du Train offers a large outdoor area with exhibitions and fun activities for the whole family.
Good to know: thanks to the Mulhouse City Pass, you can visit one of the city's tourist sites free of charge, and enjoy reduced-price entry to other tourist sites, as well as many other advantages. Click here for more information.
3- Électropolis
Électropolis is Europe's largest museum dedicated to electrical energy. Inaugurated in 1992, it was created to save a Sulzer-BBC steam generator, which at the time powered the DMC factories, the flagship of Mulhouse's textile industry. Since then, you can discover the history of electrical energy by tracing the path of electricity. You'll find many vintage appliances with a retro or outdated look, and have fun in the experimentation area.
4- Discover the Temple Saint-Etienne
Built in 1866 , this is the main building of the Reformed Church in Mulhouse. The Temple Saint-Étienne was built in place of a 12th-century church. Architect Jean-Baptiste Schacre had the good idea of preserving the old church's stained glass windows for inclusion in the temple. They date from 1324 to 1351 and depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments. It is the tallest Protestant building in France. As such, it is considered Mulhouse's "cathedral".
5- What to do in Mulhouse See the Historical Museum
Located on the Place de la Réunion, the Musée Historique traces the life of Mulhouse through the centuries. Inside the town hall, the museum focuses on the heyday of the Republic of Mulhouse, from the 16th to the 18th centuries. One of the rooms is dedicated to the great figures of the industrial era. You'll also find the Grenier d'Abondance, which houses the archaeological room dedicated to prehistory in Alsace.
Read the article To discover this department, read our article"What to do in Alsace? 17 must-sees and must-visits".
6- Mulhouse Belvedere
Right next to the Parc Zoologique et Botanique, the Belvedere Tower dominates the landscape from the top of its 333m. Climb to the top of the tower and enjoy an incredible panorama of Mulhouse and its surroundings, the Sundgau hills and the Alsace plain. Depending on the weather, you may even catch a glimpse of the Vosges, the German Black Forest and sometimes even the Swiss Alps.
7- Visit the Musée de l'Automobile
The National Automobile Museum is renowned for housing the world's most impressive automobile collection. Travel through time and discover the great history of the automobile. Over 450 exceptional cars are on display. Immerse yourself in captivating exhibits on the evolution of the car and the history of the automobile. The museum's itinerary includes a variety of fun activities for young and old alike.
Read the article: mulhouse's Musée de l'Automobile is on our list of 10 outstanding French museums. Read our full article.
8- Visit Mulhouse Zoological and Botanical Park
A city and department institution, the Parc Zoologique et Botanique de Mulhouse is the leading tourist attraction in the Haut-Rhin region. Visitors flock here to discover the park's 170 animal species and to admire its botanical garden. The latter includes numerous species of flowers and large trees. A most pleasant stroll. On the zoo side, it's possible to watch several species feeding . Don't hesitate to download the park's fun and intuitive application.
Good to know: when you book the Pass Alsace, you get free access to over 60 tourist sites, including the Parc Zoologique et Botanique de Mulhouse. Find out more here.
9- What to do in Mulhouse? Visit the Alsace Ecomuseum
15km north of Mulhouse, head for the village ofUngersheim and plunge into the past at the Alsace Ecomuseum. Designed like a traditional village, you'll find historic buildings, objects from the local heritage and areas dedicated to biodiversity. Today, it's the largest open-air museum in France. Discover Alsace's rural heritage from the early 20th century as you explore over 80 traditional buildings. You can also take a boat, cart or tractor ride.
10- Admire the street art
Take a stroll through the streets of Mulhouse, where street art is everywhere! Every month on Rue de la Moselle, you'll find a "M.U.R" (for Modulable, Urbain, Réactif) hosting a different creation by an artist. Near the center, follow the bike path along the Ill and discover a veritable open-air art gallery. You can also visit the Quai des Pêcheurs, where the walls have been completely taken over by graffiti artists.
11- Musée de l'Impression sur Étoffes
The Musée de l'Impression sur Étoffes tells the story of the city through its flagship activity. It's an original place, built around the evolution of the printed textile industry. Learn more about weaving machines and textile design techniques. The museum houses over 6,000 volumes, dating from the 18th century to the present day.
12- Taste Alsatian specialties
Mulhouse's culinary specialties include the famous Alsatian Mannala. This little man-shaped loaf of milk bread is mostly eaten around Christmas time, but you can find it all year round in bakeries. You'll also find Schnackala, an S-shaped variant. In the restaurant, try Fleischnacka, a flaky meat roll, a specialty of the Mulhouse region.
Read the article: enjoy the magic of Christmas by discovering the 15 most beautiful Christmas markets in France, including Mulhouse.
13- Visit the Parc du Petit Prince
Located in Ungersheim, the Parc du Petit Prince is the world's first aerial park. Come and rediscover your inner child in the poetic world of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's Little Prince, recreated in 2014 on this tourist site. Among the many attractions on offer, you'll find an aerobar that takes you 35m up in the air. You can also meet animals, fly and stroll through the gardens of this 150-hectare site.
Activities to book: click on this link to book your tickets now for the Parc du Petit Prince.
14- Stroll along the Potash Route
For an open-air stroll in Mulhouse, don't hesitate to take the Route de la Potasse. This 18-kilometer circuit around the town will take you past 4 squares and 5 sites. These stages help you understand howpotash mining influenced the local economy and landscape during the mining era. Mining began in 1904 and the last pits were closed in 2002.
15- Hiking in the Black Forest
From Mulhouse, head for Freiburg-in-Breisgau, your gateway to Germany's Black Forest. This magnificent German forest runs along the French border from Mulhouse to Strasbourg. Discover its magnificent green valleys and crystal-clear lakes alongside mountain landscapes. If you'd like to climb to the summit, there are numerous hiking trails that will take you to the top of the 1493m Feldberg.
The article to read: the Black Forest is a must-see in Germany. Discover our dedicated article.
Where to stay in Mulhouse?
Mulhouse offers a wide choice of hotels. We've put together a selection of the best-rated:
- The most central:Hôtel Bristol. This beautiful hotel is a charming establishment in the center of town. Perfect for a romantic getaway. Click here to book.
- Best equipped: Holiday Inn le Trident. This hotel-bar-brasserie with modern, family-friendly rooms is also equipped with a swimming pool and fitness room. Book now.
- Good value for money: Brit Hôtel Mulhouse Centre. This well-equipped hotel has a bar, library and serves breakfast. It has several rooms suitable for disabled guests. You can book your stay here.
What to do in Mulhouse for two?
Looking for ideas for a romantic getaway in Mulhouse? Here are a few suggestions for a romantic getaway:
- Take a boat trip on the Rhone-Rhine Canal and enjoy views of the Alsatian countryside and the city's historic buildings.
- Take part in a wine tasting: discover Alsace wines and learn the secrets of winemaking.
- Stroll through the Parc Zoologique et Botanique, enjoy the beauty of the flower gardens and observe the animals.
- Dine in a romantic restaurant by reserving a table in one of the city's many establishments.
What to do in Mulhouse with your family?
Here are a few suggestions for family activities during your stay in Mulhouse:
- Visit the Cité du Train and discover the history and secrets of the railroads thanks to numerous interactive exhibits.
- Visit the Parc Zoologique et Botanique and discover the beauty of the park's flower gardens and animals.
- Spend a day at the Parc du Petit Prince, where young and old can enjoy the many attractions and activities on offer.
- Get some fresh air at the Parc de la Mer Rouge, where you can enjoy picnics and children's play areas
What are the most beautiful villages around Mulhouse?
If you'd like to take advantage of a stay in Mulhouse to visit the surrounding villages, here's a short list of charming destinations:
- Eguisheim: this small medieval village with its cobbled streets, ramparts and half-timbered houses is listed as one of France's Most Beautiful Villages.
- Riquewihr : explore this wine-growing village with its colorful streets, also classified as one of France's Most Beautiful Villages.
- Mittelbergheim : this village in the heart of the vineyards, with its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, is also among the Most Beautiful Villages in France.
