Mulhouse

Introduction

Located within the European Collectivity of Alsace, Mulhouse sits in a region defined by its proximity to the borders of Switzerland and Germany. You will find this city serves as a significant urban center in the Haut-Rhin department.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by understanding Mulhouse's industrial heritage as the "French Manchester." You will find a city whose history has ebbed and flowed with the rise and fall of various industries, leading to periods of great wealth followed by a decline similar to the American Rust Belt. While the city faced challenges such as crime and unemployment during its industrial decline, it has been undergoing a renaissance since the early 2000s.

You can expect Mulhouse to be generally safe throughout the day and quiet at night. To ensure your safety, you should avoid specific areas like Bourtzwiler or Les Coteaux if you are unfamiliar with the region. In the event of an emergency, you can reach help by dialing 112 from any mobile phone.

Getting there

You can reach Mulhouse via several rail connections, as the city sits on the main line between Paris and Basel. The station serves long-distance TGV services from regions such as Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur to destinations in Switzerland, Germany, and Luxembourg, as well as medium-distance TER trains from Strasbourg. Local international services also connect you to Müllheim in Germany for onward travel toward Freiburg and Karlsruhe.

If you prefer traveling by road, the city is situated at the crossroads of the Paris-Germany and Strasbourg-Basel motorways. You can also arrive by bus via major operators like FlixBus and ALSA. For those arriving by plane, EuroAirport is located to the south and serves the local area; from there, you can take a bus to Saint Louis railway station followed by a local train to reach the city.

Getting around

You can navigate the city center and its major suburbs using a three-line tram system. For travel to other areas of the city, a bus network is available, though these routes may operate with less frequency and more limited hours. Both the tram and bus systems are operated by SOLEA.

A tram-train service also exists, which extends certain journeys on route 3 onto the railway line leading to Thann.

Where to stay

You can choose between a hotel located near the central train station or a youth hostel situated next to the university campus and its sports facilities.

Depending on your preference for accommodation, you may stay at a hostel that offers breakfast or opt for a nearby hotel in the city center.

Food & drink

You can find a variety of dining options across the city, ranging from casual quick bites to refined sit-down meals. For a more casual experience, numerous kebab shops are available throughout the area. You might also enjoy visiting local fry shops like Friterie Mondiale or Friterie Americaine, or visit specialized spots such as Çigköftem Vegan.

For a mid-range dining experience, you can explore the old town to find traditional Alsatian cuisine served in large portions at Zum Sauwadala. Other nearby options include French cuisine at Petit Marcel La Rôtisserie and Le Cellier, or seafood at Le Bistrot à Huîtres. If you prefer an upmarket atmosphere, Il Cortile offers high-end Italian dishes, while La Table de Michèle serves French cuisine. For a drink, you can visit Murphy's Pub downtown to experience an Irish-themed bar.

What to see and do

Explore the historic heart of the city at Place de la Réunion, where you can admire the Temple of St. Etienne, a 19th-century structure containing medieval stained glass and furnishings, and visit the old town hall to view its elaborate mock-marble trompe d'oeil decorations. While the mostly-pedestrianised old town features stone buildings rather than timber frames, it houses the Cour des Chaines, a 16th-century townhouse currently serving as an arts centre. Nearby, you can transition into the New Quarter, which was developed in the early 19th century to house industrial families and business institutions. If you find yourself needing a landmark, the Tour de l'Europe skyscraper stands prominently within the city centre.

Your visit can include several specialized museums showcasing regional heritage and industrial history:

• Cité de l'Automobile - Collection Schlumpf, which houses an extensive collection of French and European road and racing cars, including rare Bugattis.
• Cité du Train, the national railway museum featuring a "Spectacle Trail" and a "Railway Panorama" for viewing large architectural items.
• Electropolis, where you can view the development of electricity through dioramas and a collection of 20th-century domestic appliances.
• Musée du papier peint, dedicated to wallpaper manufacturing.
• The Musée des beaux arts and the Zoological and botanical garden.

Three days in Mulhouse

Day one, you can begin your journey in the heart of Mulhouse. Explore the local atmosphere and experience the character of this region within the Alsace area.

Day two, you can travel toward neighboring destinations such as Strasbourg or explore the nearby areas of Bourtzwiler and Les Coteaux.

Day three, you can plan a broader excursion to cities like Basel, Freiburg, or Karlsruhe, or take your time exploring the local surroundings.