Nicknamed the “Manchester of France”, Mulhouse is proud of its blue-collar heritage. In addition to visiting one of Europe’s top automobile museums, you can stroll around pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods, admire beautiful Renaissance architecture and enjoy the city’s scenic setting between the Rhine River and the Vosges Mountains.
Things to do in Mulhouse
Exploring the historic quarter on foot is one of the best ways to enjoy Mulhouse. Stop for lunch in Place de la Réunion, a lively square lined with brightly painted townhouses. Many have been reimagined as open-air cafes and bistros. Be sure to stroll along Rue Henriette, one of the city’s most photogenic streets.
Walk up to the trendy Rebberg neighbourhood for spectacular views over Mulhouse. On a clear day, the vistas stretch all the way to the Black Forest and the Vosges Mountains. Enjoy lunch at a local café and visit the Mulhouse Zoological and Botanical Park in the heart of the district. You can get up close with lions, peacocks, polar bears and other exotic animals.
Learn about the city’s car manufacturing heyday at the Cité de l’Automobile Museum. One of the largest in the world, the museum showcases more than 400 vehicles. Admire gleaming models by Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Bugatti, Mercedes and other iconic manufacturers. Some of the oldest models date back to the 1800s.
An easy day trip from Mulhouse, Ecomusée d'Alsace is one of the biggest open-air museums in France. It’s dotted with dozens of traditional Alsatian buildings and brought to life with costumed guides. Check out the workshops to learn more about woodcarving, blacksmithing, baking and other historic professions.
Getting around Mulhouse
Mulhouse is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, while trams are a fast and affordable way to get from A to B. The city is located in the Grand Est region, a 1.5-hour drive from Strasbourg. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is a 5.5-hour drive away.