Historical Centrewhen Mulhouse reveals its heritage and charms

Mulhouse holds a rather unique place within the area. An independent territory until 1798, close to the Swiss cantons, its particularities have shaped and affirmed its identity.

The landscape is also defined by its industries. Major entrepreneurial families, especially in the textile industry, have left a profound mark here. From the birth of the Zoological and Botanical Park to the superb residences of the Rebberg district, from converted former industrial sites (the Foundry, DMC / Motoco) to the city’s working-class neighbourhoods, Mulhouse proclaims its industrial past loud and clear. Better still, Mulhouse has drawn strength from it and a singularity that makes it unique.

Today, visitors come from all over the world to see its outstanding technical museums, discover its beautiful zoo and admire magnificent architectural achievements from the 17th century or more modern times.

Don’t expect a profusion of half-timbered facades or geraniums when you get to Mulhouse. However, you will be impressed by its liveliness, its projects and its singular beauty. Welcome to Mulhouse!

It makes no difference where you set out from, you’re sure to see it: the Tower of Europe, the city’s most emblematic building, work of the architect François Spoerry.

Further on, don’t miss the Bollwerk Tower, built in 1390, one of the city fortifications’ oldest relics.

Make your way to Rue du Sauvage, the city's pedestrian shopping street, then lose yourself in the streets leading from Place de la Réunion. Picturesque Rue Henriette and Rue des Boulangers are steeped in history.

Then head for Rue des Franciscains, home to textile manufacturers back in the 19th century. From there walk up Rue du Raisin and Rue de l’Arsenal where you will be plunged into the beating heart of the city and get a taste for the social life of Mulhouse.

You will then discover the charming 13th century Chapel Saint-Jean which sometimes hosts intimate concerts.

Or... let yourself go to your heart’s desire towards more unusual discoveries. Mulhouse is full of those too!

Never has a square been so aptly named. Place de la Réunion is where traditional hotspots meet and mix with unmissable sights.

Inhabitants of Mulhouse meet there in summer to enjoy a drink on the terrace, attend the Christmas market in winter, enjoy concerts and exhibitions at the Saint-Etienne Temple, while their children never miss an opportunity to ride the carousel horses.

And just look at the setting! Place de la Réunion is surrounded by Renaissance mansions such as Mieg House, a bourgeois residence with painted walls built in 1418, and the old Town Hall with its richly decorated pink facade housing the History Museum.

If exclusive French and international brands have decided to settle in Mulhouse, it’s for good reason! The city’s dynamism is also prevalent in its shops.

Quality bookshops, exceptional pastry chefs and chocolate-makers, clothes shops with a soul, welcoming bars, cosy tea rooms, excellent restaurants – there’s no shortage of great places to shop in Mulhouse.

And Mulhouse also offers a choice of shops to quench your thirst for local products so you can extend your visit once you return home☺.

Just a 10-minute walk from the city centre to the train station will bring you to Square de la Bourse and the Industrial Society of Mulhouse building that dates back to the early 19th century.

Then it’s off to the Foundry, a former industrial site which has benefitted from a sympathetic conversion and now houses a university and a centre for modern art.

Are you keen on learning about industrial heritage? Take a trip to the typical working-class district where the old DMC factory sits, now host to many artistic events and art studios.

Close to the market, the Cité Manifeste houses buildings with authentic workers' town features, all designed by some of the most famous architects such as Jean Nouvel, Shigeru Ban, Lacaton&Vassal.