Mulhouse Day Trip from Colmar: Museums, Markets & More

Why Mulhouse Deserves a Spot on Your Alsace Itinerary

Nestled in the heart of Alsace, just 45 minutes south of Colmar, Mulhouse remains one of the region's best-kept secrets. While travelers flock to Colmar's half-timbered houses and Strasbourg's Gothic grandeur, Mulhouse quietly offers some of France's most impressive museums, a rich industrial heritage, and an authentic Alsatian atmosphere without the crowds. At Travel Homes, we've watched countless guests return from their Mulhouse day trip from Colmar absolutely enchanted—and eager to share their discoveries.

Whether you're a car enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a different perspective on Alsace, this underrated city delivers surprises at every turn. Here's everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable day exploring Mulhouse.

Getting from Colmar to Mulhouse: Your Options

The journey from Colmar to Mulhouse couldn't be easier, making it an ideal day trip destination for travelers staying in the Colmar area.

By Train: The TER regional train connects Colmar and Mulhouse in approximately 20-25 minutes, with departures running frequently throughout the day. Tickets are affordable, and you'll arrive at Mulhouse's central station, perfectly positioned for exploring the city on foot.

By Car: The drive takes around 40-45 minutes via the A35 motorway. Having your own vehicle offers flexibility, especially if you want to visit the Cité de l'Automobile or Cité du Train, which sit slightly outside the city center. Parking is readily available at both museum complexes.

By Bus: Regional buses also connect the two cities, though trains remain the most convenient option for most travelers.

Pro tip: If you're planning to visit multiple museums, driving often proves more practical since you can easily hop between sites without relying on public transport schedules.

Things to Do in Mulhouse: Must-Visit Attractions

Musée National de l'Automobile: A World-Class Experience

No Mulhouse day trip from Colmar is complete without visiting the legendary Musée National de l'Automobile, also known as the Schlumpf Collection. Housing over 400 vehicles spanning more than a century of automotive history, this museum ranks among the finest automobile collections on the planet.

The story behind the museum is as fascinating as the cars themselves. The Schlumpf brothers, textile industrialists, secretly amassed this incredible collection before their empire collapsed in the 1970s. Today, visitors can admire everything from elegant Bugattis (the museum holds the world's largest Bugatti collection) to vintage Rolls-Royces, early racing cars, and futuristic concept vehicles.

Even if you don't consider yourself a car enthusiast, the sheer scale and beauty of this collection captivates visitors of all interests. Plan to spend at least two to three hours here—the museum is that immersive.

Cité du Train: Europe's Largest Railway Museum

Railway enthusiasts and families will find the Cité du Train equally impressive. As the largest railway museum in Europe, it chronicles the fascinating evolution of French railways through magnificently preserved locomotives, elegant passenger carriages, and interactive exhibits.

Walking through the collection feels like stepping through different eras of travel history. From the golden age of steam to the sleek TGV, each section tells the story of how railways transformed society. Children particularly enjoy the interactive elements and the opportunity to climb aboard certain displays.

The Historic Old Town and Place de la Réunion

After immersing yourself in museum culture, stroll into Mulhouse's charming old town. The Place de la Réunion serves as the heart of the city, dominated by the striking Temple Saint-Étienne—a Protestant church with stunning stained glass windows dating back to the 14th century.

Nearby, the ornate Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville) showcases the distinctive Rhenish Renaissance architecture that makes Alsatian cities so photogenic. Painted in rich colors and decorated with trompe-l'œil frescoes, it's a reminder that Mulhouse has always been a city proud of its heritage.

Wander the surrounding streets to discover independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and local artisan shops. Unlike more touristy Alsatian towns, Mulhouse offers a refreshingly authentic atmosphere where locals outnumber visitors.

Markets, Food & Local Flavors

Exploring Mulhouse Markets

Depending on when you visit, you might catch one of Mulhouse's excellent markets. The weekly markets bring fresh local produce, Alsatian cheeses, charcuterie, and regional specialties to various neighborhoods. The covered market near Place de la Réunion operates regularly and provides a wonderful introduction to local culinary traditions.

During the holiday season, Mulhouse transforms with its own Christmas market—less crowded than Colmar's famous version but equally magical. The "Fabric Market" (Marché de l'Étoffe) uniquely celebrates the city's textile heritage alongside traditional holiday treats and crafts.

Where to Eat During Your Day Trip

For lunch, seek out traditional winstubs (Alsatian tavern-restaurants) serving regional classics like tarte flambée, baeckeoffe, and choucroute garnie. These hearty dishes perfectly fuel an afternoon of exploration.

If you prefer something lighter, the pedestrianized streets near the old town offer numerous cafés and boulangeries where you can grab a slice of kougelhopf (the region's signature bundt-style cake) and excellent coffee.

Insider Tips for Your Mulhouse Day Trip from Colmar

Timing Your Visit: Start early to maximize your day. The museums open around 10 AM, so catching a morning train from Colmar puts you at the Musée National de l'Automobile as doors open—before the crowds arrive.

Museum Passes: If you're visiting multiple museums, look into combined tickets that offer savings. The technical museums (automobile and railway) sometimes offer joint admission deals.

Comfortable Footwear: Between museum halls and cobblestone streets, you'll cover significant ground. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Seasonal Considerations: Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for exploration. Summer can get warm in the museum halls, though they're well-maintained. Winter visits pair beautifully with holiday market experiences.

Photography: Both major museums allow photography (without flash), so bring your camera to capture these extraordinary collections.

Making the Most of Your Alsace Adventure

A Mulhouse day trip from Colmar reveals a different facet of Alsatian culture—one shaped by industrial innovation, artistic expression, and proud local traditions. While Colmar enchants with its fairytale aesthetics and wine culture, Mulhouse offers depth and discovery that complement your Alsace experience perfectly.

Many visitors find themselves so captivated by the region that a single day trip transforms into extended exploration. The beautiful thing about staying in this corner of France is how much variety lies within easy reach. From wine villages dotting the Route des Vins to the forested hills of the Vosges Mountains, each direction from Colmar offers new adventures.

Whether you're marveling at vintage Bugattis, savoring a steaming plate of choucroute in a centuries-old winstub, or simply people-watching in a sun-drenched plaza, Mulhouse rewards curious travelers who venture beyond the obvious destinations.

Your Alsace Home Base Awaits

Planning an extended stay in this enchanting region? Travel Homes offers a carefully curated collection of vacation rentals throughout Colmar and Mulhouse, each equipped with the essentials you need—fully equipped kitchens, comfortable heating for cooler months, and all the amenities that make a rental feel like home.

By choosing a comfortable apartment or loft as your base, you gain the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Wake up to fresh croissants from the local boulangerie, return from day trips to prepare regional ingredients in your own kitchen, and experience Alsace like a local rather than a tourist.

Ready to discover everything this remarkable corner of France has to offer? Browse the Travel Homes collection today and find your perfect Alsatian retreat. Your Mulhouse adventure—and so much more—awaits just outside your door.