Myriad outdoor pursuits are available to Mulhouse visitors and among those on offer is a good selection that is well suited to those of all ages. Specialist sports such as golf and fishing cater largely to adults, but go-karting, horseback riding and skiing are great family activities to be enjoyed by all.
Cycling and Mountain Biking Mulhouse offers bike enthusiasts some great areas in which to indulge their passion. In fact, the Alsace region is home to nearly 1,242 miles (2,000kms) of cycle paths and trails. From Mulhouse, seasoned cyclists can cycle into the Alsace countryside to visit some of the many small, rural villages or to find rugged off-road action to test their mountain biking skills.
Both the Doller and Ill rivers cut through Mulhouse, presenting some good opportunities for angling enthusiasts. It’s necessary to get a permit to fish here legally, with permits known locally as permit de pêche. Enquire at the tourist information office for more information on obtaining a permit.
Go-karting Go-karting at the Sundgau Karting centre is fun for visitors of all ages, with a range of tracks and different sized vehicles on offer. Mini-karts are on hand for the kids, while thrill-seeking adults can try their hands at quad-biking. An indoor track is available for days when the weather’s not agreeable. Phone: +33 3 8907 7788.
Golf The Rhin Mulhouse Golf Club is a short drive from the city centre and is the primary golf facility available to Mulhouse residents. Since the club is private, visitors may play by invitation only.
Step out into the scenic Alsace countryside where a wealth of excellent hiking routes is available. If you are prepared to spend some time behind the wheel, you can get to the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park or the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park, where a total of 5,592 miles (9,000kms) of marked trails are on offer, including those to suit walkers of all ages and abilities.
There are 100 riding schools, clubs and associations across the Alsace region, and equestrians can take their pick of those closest to the city. For more details, contact the Mulhouse tourist information office. Phone: +33 3 89 35 48 4.
Skiing Though the Vosges mountain range is several hours’ drive from Mulhouse, visitors holidaying during the winter season might want to take a weekend trip to the winter sport resorts located there. There are 620 miles (1,000kms) of marked trails and 170 ski lifts available across the resorts.
Mulhouse is a museum lover’s dream destination, with the city having more facilities of this nature than any other city in the Alsace region. Both modern culture and cultural heritage are explored within the city’s most popular museums, and visitors with an interest in classic cars, railway transportation, electricity and art will not find themselves short of cultural activities.
Automobile Museum (Musée de l’Automobile)
Around 500 old, rare, unusual and collectable automobiles are housed at the city’s popular car museum. Included in the collection are Porsche, Ferrari, Rolls Royce and Mercedes vehicles. The oldest vehicle in the collection dates to 1878. Phone: +33 3 89 33 23 23.
Bartholdi Museum (Musée Bartholdi) During his lifetime (1834 to 1904), Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi was among the finest sculptors in France, and to this day is acknowledged as being one of Europe’s greatest artists. Some of his best-known works are displayed at this reputable museum located in the neighbouring city of Colmar. Phone: + 33 3 89 41 90 60.
EDF Electropolis Museum (Musée EDF Electropolis)
The science of electricity is explored in a variety of fun displays at this popular edutainment centre. Kids and adults alike will find something of interest in the collection of old and new electronically powered items and interactive exhibits. Phone: +33 3 89 32 48.
Francais du Chemin de Fer Museum (Musée Francais du Chemin de Fer) The French national railway museum is dedicated to introducing visitors to the history of rail transportation and the vehicles employed throughout its various eras. Included in the museum’s collection are genuine, old locomotives, carriages and equipment hailing from different periods. Phone: +33 3 89 42 25 67.
Mulhouse Fine Arts Museum (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Mulhouse)
The Mulhouse Fine Arts Museum is an impressive gallery dedicated primarily to displaying painted works from the period between the late Middle Ages and the 20th century. Villa Steinbach, one of the city’s most notable old buildings, houses the museum and inside is works by artists such as Isabey, Jongkind, Lehmann, Géricault and Bouguereau. Phone: +33 3 89 33 78 11.
Museum of Printed Textiles (Musée de l'Impression sur Etoffes)
The Museum of Printed Textiles is a facility dedicated to telling in detail the story behind printed textiles, covering everything from early history to modern techniques. Within the museum’s collection are printed items from India and from 18th, 19th and 20th century France. Phone: +33 3 89 46 83 00.
Mulhouse, as part of the Alsace region, boasts some fantastic cuisine, with strong Germanic influences helping to shape the dishes that are typical of the city. Pork features heavily in savoury creations, and chicken is also popular. The city is famous as a big producer of both beers and wines, and the locals like to wash food down with liberal helpings of either, depending on the time of day and type of food served.
The city has a good selection of restaurants on offer, and visitors will find no end of traditional Alsace-style eateries where dishes such as fleischnackas (beef snacks), choucroute (pickled cabbage with meat and poptatoes) and flammekueche (pizza-like bread covered with bacon and crème fraîche). International fare is also available, with the restaurants of the city’s top hotels being some of the best places to sample quality foreign cuisine.
If shopping is high on your agenda and you want to purchase something typical of the city, then a good bottle of Alsace wine is something you should set about buying. Wines in Mulhouse are predominantly white and are produced from Riesling grapes, with dry varieties most prevalent. Visit a good wine shop and seek assistance in choosing a good local wine. Beer is also produced in Alsace so Mulhouse is a good destination to pick up quality brews if you have a taste for varieties with Germanic flavours.
In the city centre, visitors will find a good selection of shopping outlets including both independent retailers and popular French chain stores. The city’s main market is home to 350 stalls selling everything from food to household items, clothing and textiles. A small mall known as Espace Witty offers 50 different stores plus restaurants, hairdressers, beauty salons and other services. At the Oylane Village, meanwhile, visitors will find shopping outlets and a leisure centre, the latter offering indoor sporting facilities.
Very central and comfortable. Very clean and well equiped. All that is needed for a city break. Not excellent as no facilities for meal other than breakfast. Really enjoyed our stay. Right next door t...
