The Mulhouse is a city with about 115,000 inhabitants, located in Alsace of eastern France. The busy yet very charming city is known for its food, chemical, and engineering industries. The first notes about the city date back to the 12th century. The city is named after the German word for “mill” (Mühlhausen), which is also shown as a symbol of the city.
The Mulhouse is the cultural and industrial centrum with a long tradition. The city hosted one of the most famous automobiles of the genial automotive designer Ettore Bugatti. While the automobile is not there anymore, you can visit one of the most fascinating and greatest museums in the world. Mulhouse has a lot of famous landmarks and its fascinating history. To make the best of your stay, book the top Airbnb that will serve as your home base while you experience the best things to do in Mulhouse, France.
1. Temple Saint-Étienne
If you’re looking for what to do in Mulhouse, you better consider a visit to the Temple Saint-Étienne that majestically stands on the significant Place de la Reunion. The Protestants acquired the cathedral from the Catholics in 1890. The Protestants demolished the entire building and built an entirely new temple. The only thing preserved is the 14th century stained glass, which is now exposed in the corridors. The church was designed by the architect Jean-Baptiste Sacre who also constructed the expressive, 97-meter (318-foot) high bell tower. Due to its location in the center, the temple is sometimes referred to as the Cathedral of Mulhouse.
Temple Saint-Étienne
Address: 12 Place de la Réunion, 68100 Mulhouse, France
Website: Temple Saint-Étienne
2. Mulhouse Zoological and Botanical Park
The Mulhouse Zoological and Botanical Park is a zoological and botanical park locate in the Department of Hauth-Thin. The Park was founded in 1868 by Charles Thierry-Mieg. It is now managed by the agglomeration community of Mulhouse region. During your visit, you will see up to 1,200 animals of 190 species from all the world. The botanical park features over 3,000 pieces of plants and also a few star species that are rare. With tourist visits of 340,000 people per year, the park is one of the most visited tourist sites in the region.
Mulhouse Zoological and Botanical Park
Address: 111 Avenue de la 1ère Division Blindée, 68100 Mulhouse, France
3. Place de la Réunion
The Place de la Reunion is the major square in Mulhouse and it is a charming ancient place where the Cathedral and town hall stand. The pedestrian zone is featured many picturesque houses dated to 17th century, which is all beautifully painted and well preserved. All the different colors give to this place a unique charm and ambiance. The Place de la Reunion surrounds many narrow streets with the same perfect atmosphere and so it is a great spot to stroll or stop by for a coffee.
Place de la Réunion
Address: 15 Place de la Réunion, 68100 Mulhouse, France
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4. Musée de l'Impression sur Etoffes
One of the most historically fascinating attractions in Mulhouse is the Musée de l'Impression sur Etoffes. In 1833, the industrialists of Mulhouse decided to keep their creations of the textile industry. With time, they collected the archive of products not only from France but also from other countries. The archive became really important and is now made up of textiles from all around the world, centered on Alsatian printing.
Its intention was to inspire and learn the textile designers. This archive was later an inspiration to create a local museum that was opened 1857. The collections are increasing steadily, offering the rich source to the printing industry. Today the archive features over 9,000 volumes.
Musée de l'Impression sur Etoffes
Address: 14 Rue Jean Jacques Henner, 68100 Mulhouse, France
Website: Musée de l'Impression sur Etoffes
5. Cour des Chaînes
The center part of the building was built in 1594 by the Blech family. This magnificent Renaissance house is set against the rampart of the town. In 1675, the house was bought by the J. Sisson, treasurer of the town, who executed the remarkable painted ceilings of the first floor with various motifs. J. M. Schwartz bought the house and added a side wing and rebuilt the other. In the 19th century, the building covered its use as a dwelling. In 1979, the house was handed over to the city.
Cour des Chaînes
Address: 15 Rue des Franciscains, 68100 Mulhouse, France
6. L'entrepot theater
The Entrepot opened its doors for the first time in 1994 as a theater of humor. It was built in the former factory and paper warehouse, which seemed to be a unique and authentic place for the place of culture. Little by little, the theater gained its popularity. Today, a good number of international and national actors come through the theater. The Entrepot features a bar and restaurant where you can enjoy the drink and maybe meet some of the famous artists.
L'entrepot theater
Address: 50 Rue du Nordfeld, 68100 Mulhouse, France
Website: L'entrepot theater (in French)
7. Cité du Train
Cité du Train is undoubtedly one of the must-see things in Mulhouse. This is the largest train museum in the world. It features a fascinating exhibition of steam-powered trains. The exhibits are displayed by time from the oldest to the newest technologies. It is possible to see the principles and mechanics of the trains. It is a great place to learn something about history and this industry. Both adults and kids will appreciate the museum.
Cité du Train
Address: 2 rue Alfred de Glehn, 68200 Mulhouse, France
Website: Cité du Train
8. Cité de l'Automobile
The automobile industry is one of the most significant in Mulhouse. The Cité de l’Automobile is a museum featuring cars from the automotive designer Bugatti as well as old models of Rolls Royce and Ferrari. In the museum, you will discover cars marked with history, animations, videos, simulators and playgrounds. Lovers of automobiles will love this place.
Cité de l'Automobile
Address: 15 Rue de l'Épée, 68100 Mulhouse, France
Website: Cité de l'Automobile
9. Mulhouse Old Town
Mulhouse Old Town is a little different than other towns in Alsace. Instead of typical half-timbered houses, you will see here a lot of concrete buildings that were built during the World War II. Despite this fact, Mulhouse features several historical monuments. There are no half-timbered house here, but rather houses beautifully decorated with frescoes and manors as well as bricked houses. Besides the Place de la Réunion and The Saint-Étienne Protestant Temple, you will find other monuments like Townhall, The Mieg House or The Saint John Chapel.
Mulhouse Old Town
Website: Mulhouse Old Town (in French)
10. Saint John Chapel
The only trace after the Knights of Malta Commandery is preserved is the 13th century Saint John Chapel. Until the Reformation, the Chapel was the most important in the Mulhouse in ancient times. In 1798, the Mulhouse joined France and the Chapel was sold as communal property and subsequently formed as a warehouse and brewery. In 1893, the building was the first named as a historical monument. Nowadays, concerts and exhibitions are held in the chapel.
Saint John Chapel
Address: 19 B Grand Rue, 68100 Mulhouse, France
11. Electropolis Museum
If you are visiting Mulhouse with your family with children, bring them somewhere they can learn and be fascinated at the same time. Electropolis Museum in Mulhouse will surely ignite visitors’ interests and curiosity with its exhibits on the history, experiment, theories, and inventions involving electricity. Aside from its displays, the museum also offers interactive activities that each member of your family will truly enjoy, like the electrostatic theater, interactive games, and writing with LED lights on a wall of phosphorescent paint.
Electropolis Museum
Address: 55 Rue du Pâturage, 68200 Mulhouse, France
Website: Electropolis Museum
12. Le Gargantua
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
With more than 18 years of culinary experience, Le Gargantua has firmly established its reputation in providing excellent food and customer service. Their menu includes traditional French cuisine. Guests rave about the quality of the food and the generous size of their servings. Aside from the scrumptious food, they also provide their guests with excellent recommendations of wine to complement their meals.
Le Gargantua
Address: 7 Porte de Bâle, 68100 Mulhouse, France
Website: Le Gargantua
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 12pm - 2pm, 7pm - 9:30pm; Sat: 7pm - 9:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 2pm (closed on Mon)
13. Parc Salvator
One of the best outdoor activities that you can enjoy with your family while you’re in Mulhouse is a refreshing stroll through the shades of the various trees in Parc Salvator. Established in 1890, this a 2-hectare (4.94-acre) garden park holds the finest variety of flora species, including Tulip trees, Japanese pagoda trees, and more. Aside from this natural display, the park also serves as a venue for concerts, summer events, and movies.
Parc Salvator
Address: Rue Salvator, 68100 Mulhouse, France
Website: Parc Salvator
Opening hours: 8am - 9:30pm (daily)
14. Les Halles du Marché du Canal Couvert
Present since 1971, Les Halles du Marché du Canal Couvert has a long-standing reputation for providing fresh and organic produce to its loyal customers. Located in a covered complex, the market is home to more than 300 food and non-food traders. A shopping tour in this market will allow you to discover seasonal products and regional specialties that are sourced directly from local farms and producers. With its wide variety of products and its cosmopolitan atmosphere, Les Halles du Marché du Canal Couvert is truly one of the best attractions in Mulhouse.
Les Halles du Marché du Canal Couvert
Address: 26 Quai de la Cloche, 68200 Mulhouse, France
Website: Les Halles du Marché du Canal Couvert
Opening hours: Tue & Thu: 7am - 5pm; Sat: 6am - 5pm (closed on Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun)
15. Shamrock
When you visit Mulhouse, make sure to drop by the most emblematic Irish pub in the area: Shamrock. Located in the center of the university and sports district of Mulhouse, Shamrock is where students, athletes, and sports enthusiasts have come to hang out since 2000. It offers a variety of beverages and food items. Catch student parties every Thursday evening and a bunch of bands that play Irish tunes every first Tuesday of the month.
Shamrock
Address: 1 Rue des Grains, 68200 Mulhouse, France
Website: Shamrock
Opening hours: 5pm - 1:30am (daily)
Explore Mulhouse
Explore one of the most important centers in the automotive and textile industries. Charming Mulhouse has a lot to offer.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Mulhouse, France
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