Mulhouse France | Alsace Wine Route | 9th Century Alsatian City

The start or finish point of the Alsace wine route, Mulhouse lies in the south of Alsace and offers a great introduction to the region.

Mulhouse, first mentioned in the 9th century, became a free imperial city in 1308. It entered into defensive alliances with the Swiss in the 16th century. In 1798 it joined the French Republic. It passed to Germany after the Franco-German War (1871) and was reunited to France in 1918. Its most noteworthy ancient building is the 16th-century Hôtel de Ville (town hall), covered with mural paintings.

It was once a flourishing textile and manufacturing town but globalisation of industry has brought change – and for Mulhouse that means change too. The city is undergoing a metamorphosis – but with a nod to its powerful past. It boasts the world’s biggest car museum, an incredible train museum, electricity museum and more. Former factories are being converted into restaurants and artists residences. It’s street art heaven. And, pop up shops with original clothes and accessories you won’t find anywhere else are making their mark.

This city has a buzz about it. It’s thriving once more thanks to major support for its artistic community – with the largest artists’ residence in France – and its love for culture and heritage. Here’s what to see and do in Mulhouse, Alsace.