
4 days in Mulhouse and the surrounding area
A Rhine city with a strong and distinctive identity, Mulhouse will both enchant and surprise you. Located at the crossroads of the Vosges, the Alsatian Jura and the Black Forest, and just a stone’s throw from Basel, it is the perfect starting point for exploring Southern Alsace.
- Duration4 days
- Ways to travelCar
Thursday
Culture and traditions in Mulhouse
Take advantage of the morning to immerse yourself in Mulhouse’s rich cultural offering. Exceptional museums open their doors to visitors, including the Cité du Train, the Museum of Printed Textiles and the National Automobile Museum.
In the afternoon, stroll through the aisles of the Christmas market. Start at Place de la Réunion, then let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of the unique decorations and the intimate atmosphere.
©OTC Mulhouse et sa région / B.Wirth
© Lois Moreno - ADTLiesel’s tip
The Christmas fabric, which adorns the streets and chalets, is the must-see feature of Mulhouse’s Christmas market. At the Boutique aux Étoffes, you will find original creations made from this fabric, which is renewed every year.
Christmas fabrics boutiqueMust-See Museums in Mulhouse
Friday
Experience Christmas as it was in the past at the Écomusée d’Alsace
France’s largest open-air museum celebrates Christmas and Alsatian traditions of the past with creativity and passion. Here, the beauty of the traditional houses, decorated especially for the occasion, immerses visitors in the magic and warmth of an authentic Christmas.
To make the experience complete, numerous daily activities bring the Advent season to life. Designed as an Alsatian village from the early 20th century, the Écomusée d’Alsace places the transmission and preservation of traditions at the heart of all its activities – even when celebrating Christmas.
©Ecomusée d'Alsace
© Bartosch Salmanski - 128db.fr - ADTLiesel’s tip
With your family, don’t miss the Christmas stories and Advent evenings, where you can discover the tales of the characters from Alsatian Christmas traditions.
Saturday
Seeing life in blue in Guebwiller
During Advent, Guebwiller comes alive with its Blue Christmas, a vibrant tribute to local figure Théodore Deck, a 19th-century ceramic artist who created enamelled earthenware pieces in a striking turquoise blue.
Combining tradition and innovation, Blue Christmas brings together performing arts, visual arts and heritage through illuminated trails and spectacular events.
The discovery continues at the Dominicans of Haute-Alsace, which takes part in the festivities every year. Located in a former convent, this cultural centre dedicated to music and digital arts always offers wonderful surprises and memorable experiences!
Vincent Schneider
Pierre JochemLiesel’s tip
In Guebwiller, you are right at the foot of Markstein and Grand Ballon. Make the most of it and enjoy a refreshing walk in the great outdoors in the Vosges Mountains.
Discover the Vosges MountainsSunday
A magical walk in Thann-Cernay
Start your day by getting some fresh air around Thann: choose between paths through the Rangen vineyards or walks on the hills offering breathtaking views – the choice is yours!
At the end of the morning, head to the historic centre to immerse yourself in an authentic and enchanting atmosphere. Between colourful decorations, magical Christmas trees and the chalets of the Christmas market, your appetite will be awakened by the scents of spices and mulled wine drifting through the streets.
Don’t miss a visit to Saint-Thiébaut Collegiate Church, a Gothic gem at the foot of which the Christmas market takes place. Continue your journey to Cernay, where the illuminations and festive atmosphere invite you to extend your stroll.
End your day in Uffholtz with the Advent Windows Festival. Every evening from 1 to 24 December, an “In” performance, followed by a friendly gathering at the Foyer Saint-Erasme, awaits you. Sometimes, an “Off” performance allows you to extend the evening even further.
© Bartosch Salmanski - ADT
© Domaine du Hirtz Liesel’s tip
Take some time for a warming break! Perhaps in a spa? In the area, I recommend the Domaine du Hirtz and its Nordic spa in Wattwiller.
Too chilly to put on your swimsuit? Then head to a museum instead! Also in Wattwiller, the Fondation François Schneider, which celebrates contemporary art around the theme of water, offers a wonderful moment of discovery.


