Once an independent republic, then an industrial capital of textiles and later of the car industry, Mulhouse is best known for its technical museums, among the largest in Europe. But the city is also a pleasure to explore on foot, starting from Place de la Réunion, a stone's throw from our crêperie. Here are our must-sees.
In the historic centre, on foot
1. Place de la Réunion and the old Town Hall
The heart of the city. The old town hall, built in 1552, is famous for its trompe-l'œil painted façades from 1698. On the same square, the Maison Mieg, built in 1418, also has painted walls. Free access.
2. The Musée historique (History Museum)
Housed in the old town hall, it tells the story of Mulhouse from prehistory to the present day: furniture, costumes, and a section devoted to Alfred Dreyfus, who was born in Mulhouse. Free, open every day except Tuesdays and public holidays, 10:00–13:00 and 14:00–18:00.
3. The Temple Saint-Étienne
The large neo-Gothic Protestant church on Place de la Réunion, built from 1858 to 1868. Its stained-glass windows, salvaged from the previous church, are among the finest in the Upper Rhine. Free entry, Wednesday to Sunday 13:00–19:00.
4. The Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum)
A few minutes' walk away, on Place Guillaume Tell: collections from the Middle Ages to modern art, with a fine selection of late 19th-century French painting. Free, open every day except Tuesdays and public holidays.
5. The Tour de l'Europe
At 100 metres, it is the tallest building in Mulhouse, opened in 1973. You can admire it from the centre; its panoramic restaurant on the 31st floor is currently closed.
6. Street art
A new work every two months on the M.U.R., rue de la Moselle, and a graffiti gallery on quai des Pêcheurs, along the Ill. Tours are offered by the tourist office.
7. The Marché du Canal Couvert
One of the largest markets in eastern France, with more than 300 traders, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 26 quai de la Cloche. Perfect for stocking up on Alsatian produce.
8. The Parc Salvator
Mulhouse's first public garden, created in 1890: a pond, a bandstand in summer and a playground, about ten minutes' walk from the centre. Free.
9. The Musée de l'Impression sur Étoffes (Museum of Printed Textiles)
Mulhouse owes its wealth to printed textiles: this museum, near the station, holds exceptional collections of fabrics and patterns. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 13:00–18:00.
By tram or bus
10. The Cité de l'Automobile
The Schlumpf collection: more than 450 cars in a former spinning mill, one of the largest car collections in the world. Tram 1, "Musée de l'Auto" stop. Open every day except 25 December; €19 full price.
11. The Cité du Train
Billed as the largest railway museum in Europe: 60,000 m² and more than 130 pieces of rolling stock. Tram 3 or tram-train, "Musées" stop. Open every day except 25 December; €16 full price, combined ticket available with Electropolis.
12. Electropolis, the electricity museum
Right next to the Cité du Train, the history of electricity around the "Grande Machine", an impressive generating set. Tuesday to Sunday 10:00–18:00, closed in January.
13. The Parc Zoologique et Botanique (Zoo and Botanical Park)
Opened in 1868 on the Rebberg hill, it combines animals and botanical gardens. Bus C7, "Zoo" stop. Reduced price in November and December, and on presentation of a same-day public transport ticket.
14. The Rebberg and the Belvédère
The hill of the 19th-century industrialists' villas. At the top, the Belvédère tower (20 m) offers a 360° view over the Vosges, the Jura, the Black Forest and, on clear days, the Alps. Bus C7, "Belvédère" stop.
15. La Kunsthalle and La Fonderie
Mulhouse's contemporary art centre, in a former foundry. Free entry during exhibitions. Tram 2 or 3, "Tour Nessel" stop.
In the surrounding area
15 to 20 km away, the Écomusée d'Alsace in Ungersheim is the largest open-air museum in France, with 80 Alsatian buildings reassembled over 97 hectares. Right next door, the Parc du Petit Prince is a hit with families.
Our practical tips
- The Mulhouse City Pass (€20, valid for 3 days) includes entry to one site of your choice, such as the Cité de l'Automobile or the Cité du Train, discounts at other sites and unlimited travel on Soléa public transport.
- The tram: the Porte Jeune stop, a few minutes' walk from Place de la Réunion, is served by all three tram lines.
- By car: see our guide to free parking in Mulhouse.
A tasty break between visits
At 14 rue des Tondeurs, a stone's throw from Place de la Réunion, the Crêperie Crampous Mad serves buckwheat galettes, crêpes, salads and ice cream all day long: ideal for a quick lunch or an afternoon snack between two museums. See the menu or book a table.
Opening hours and prices checked in September 2026 on the official websites: please check them before your visit.