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Mulhouse

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Mulhouse is a large city in the Alsace region of France. It sits in the Haut-Rhin department near the borders of Switzerland and Germany.

Mulhouse within Alsace 1798 to 1898, obverse
Mulhouse within Alsace 1798 to 1898, obverse

Two rivers, the Doller and the Ill, flow through the city. Both of these rivers eventually flow into the Rhine. The city is the largest in its department. It is also the second largest city in all of Alsace, right after Strasbourg.

LASB K Hellwig 1050
LASB K Hellwig 1050

Many people visit Mulhouse to see its world-famous museums. The Cité de l'Automobile is the largest automobile museum on Earth.

The city is also home to the Cité du Train, which is the largest railway museum in the world. Other interesting places include the Museum of Printed Textiles and the Museum of Electricity, known as Electropolis. There is even a zoo and a botanical garden to explore. The city's town hall is a beautiful building built in 1553.

Mulhouse - Town hall
Mulhouse - Town hall

History has shaped the city in many different ways. In 58 BC, a battle happened near Mulhouse between Julius Caesar and a group of Germanic people. For a long time, the city was part of a group called the Zehnstädtebund. It was also a free republic associated with the Swiss Confederation. In 1798, the citizens voted to become part of France.

Mulhouse within Alsace 1798 to 1898, reverse
Mulhouse within Alsace 1798 to 1898, reverse

The city has changed hands between France and Germany several times during different wars. It finally returned to French control after World War II ended in 1945.

Mulhouse became very famous for its industry. In the 1800s, it was known as the "French Manchester" because of its many factories.

Societe Industielle in Mulhouse
Societe Industielle in Mulhouse

Many people worked in textile printing, making beautiful fabrics. Later, the city grew through engineering and chemical industries. Today, many people work in the automobile and electronics sectors. The Peugeot factory is the largest employer in the Alsace region. The city is also home to the Upper Alsace University.

UHA-La Fonderie (1)
UHA-La Fonderie (1)

The city has different areas with unique looks. The lower town was once a place for merchants and craftsmen. The Nouveau Quartier was built with a planned, triangular shape.

There is also the Rebberg district, where grand houses sit on terraces. These houses were inspired by the homes of cotton planters in Louisiana. To get around, you can use the city's tram network.

Tramway Mulhouse DSC 0061
Tramway Mulhouse DSC 0061

You can also reach the city by train or by using the EuroAirport nearby.

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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:Mulhouse within Alsace 1798 to 1898, obverse.jpg
Mulhouse within Alsace 1798 to 1898, obverse.jpg
File:Mulhouse within Alsace 1798 to 1898, reverse.jpg
Mulhouse within Alsace 1798 to 1898, reverse.jpg
File:LASB K Hellwig 1050.jpg
LASB K Hellwig 1050.jpg
File:Marche-noel-mulhouse.jpg
Marche-noel-mulhouse.jpg
File:Societe Industielle in Mulhouse.JPG
Societe Industielle in Mulhouse.JPG
File:Templeplacereunion.jpg
Templeplacereunion.jpg
File:Mulhouse - Town hall.jpg
Mulhouse - Town hall.jpg
File:Mulhouse economy-main areas.png
Mulhouse economy-main areas.png
File:UHA-La Fonderie (1).jpg
UHA-La Fonderie (1).jpg
File:Tramway Mulhouse DSC 0061.JPG
Tramway Mulhouse DSC 0061.JPG
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