Historical center | Mulhouse Tourist Office

A little history...

A history that has shaped a proud, ebullient and seductive city

In its territory, Mulhouse holds a rather atypical place: independent until 1798, close to the Swiss cantons, it has built its identity on this difference.

It is industry that also defines its landscape: the great families of business leaders, particularly in the textile industry, have left a strong imprint here. From the birth of the Zoological and Botanical Park to the superb mansions of the Rebberg, from the former converted industrial sites (the Foundry, DMC / Motoco) to the working-class neighborhoods of the Cité, Mulhouse claims its industrial past loud and clear. Better yet: Mulhouse has drawn strength from it, and a specificity that makes it unique.

Today, visitors come from all over the world to visit its exceptional technical museums, to discover its superb zoo, to admire magnificent architectural achievements, whether from the 17th century or contemporary.

When you arrive in Mulhouse, you’ll find few half-timberings or geraniums. On the other hand, you will be conquered by its dynamism, its projects, its singular beauty. Welcome to Mulhouse!

Whatever your starting point, you’ll see it: the Tour de l’Europe, the city’s iconic building, is the work of architect François Spoerry.

Further on, don’t miss the Tour du Bollwerk, erected in 1390, and one of the oldest remnants of the city’s fortifications.

Set a course for the rue du Sauvage, the city’s commercial pedestrian artery, then wander through the alleys that lead off from Place de la Réunion: the rue Henriette and Rue des Boulangers are picturesque and steeped in history.

Then head for the rue des Franciscains, which in the 19th century used to be the street of the textile factories. Then head up the rue du Raisin and rue de l’Arsenal for a dive into the beating heart and social life of the Mulhousians.

Then discover the charming Chapelle Saint-Jean, erected in the 13th century, which sometimes hosts intimate concerts.

And if not…let yourself be carried along as you please for unusual discoveries; that’s Mulhouse, too!

3 reasons to visit the historic center

Place de la Réunion: where everything (or almost everything) happens

Never has a square lived up to its name so well: the Place de la Réunion concentrates both centers of interest and must-see places.

Mulhouse residents gather there to have a drink on the terrace in summer, on its Christmas market in winter, to enjoy the many events, and their children take the opportunity to ride the carousel horses.

The setting of the Place de la Réunion? Renaissance mansions like the Maison Mieg, a bourgeois mansion with painted walls built in 1418, and the former Hôtel de Ville with its richly ornamented pink façade, which houses the Historical Museum.

Shopping, a major asset in Mulhouse

If some exclusive national and international brands have decided to set up shop in Mulhouse, it is not for nothing! The dynamism of the city is also felt in its commerce.

Quality bookstores, exceptional pastry chefs or chocolatiers, clothing boutiques with a soul, warm bars, cute tea rooms, excellent restaurants: there is no shortage of good addresses in Mulhouse to do your shopping.

You will also find in Mulhouse something to quench your thirst for local products to extend your stay once you get home ☺.

Expand the scope for other discoveries

From the city center to the train station, a 10-minute walk will take you to the Square de la Bourse and the Société Industrielle building in Mulhouse, dating from the early 19th century.

Then head for the Fonderie: this former industrial site is undergoing a nice conversion: it houses a university and a contemporary art center.

Are you a fan of industrial heritage? Take a detour to the former DMC factory, the scene of numerous events and artists’ studios, located in a typical working-class neighborhood.

Near the market, the Cité Manifeste houses buildings imagined by the greatest architects with the codes of the original Cité ouvrière: Jean Nouvel, Shigeru Ban, Lacaton&Vassal…

Address

Two paths are available to discover the history of Mulhouse while walking through the center: the Old Mulhouse path and the 19th century path.

Mulhouse’s historic center is easily visited on foot or by bike.

Many parking lots are available, some of which offer low rates (2€ for 4 hours in the underground parking lots of Les Maréchaux, Porte Jeune or Porte Haute).

Think also about the parkings-relais Tram (University and Kinépolis): drop off your car and travel together for up to 7 people for €2 each way (10-minute ride to downtown).

Also take advantage of the free electric shuttle to get around downtown.

Did you like the historic center?

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