Car hire in Mulhouse places you at the crossroads of three countries. This Alsatian city, known for its museums and industrial heritage, sits just 20 minutes from the German border and 30 minutes from Switzerland. From here, you can explore the Alsace wine route, the Vosges mountains, and even the Black Forest in Germany — all within an hour’s drive.
Getting Around Mulhouse by Car
Mulhouse’s centre is compact and walkable, with the Place de la Réunion at its heart. Street parking is metered (€1-2 per hour), but there are free car parks at the tram termini. The A35/A36 motorways connect to Strasbourg (45 minutes north), Basel (20 minutes south), and the rest of France.
Mulhouse is perfectly positioned for cross-border driving. Germany’s Black Forest begins 20 minutes east. Switzerland’s Basel is 30 minutes south. The Alsace wine route runs north from here through picture-perfect villages. You’re at the junction of French, German, and Swiss road networks.
Driving in Alsace is straightforward — flat terrain, well-maintained roads, and clear signage in French and German. The Vosges mountains to the west offer more challenging driving but spectacular scenery.
Day Trips from Mulhouse
Cité du Automobile, in Mulhouse, is the world’s largest car museum. Over 500 vehicles, from Bugattis to Ferraris, are displayed in a former textile factory. Allow half a day. The Cité du Train (railway museum) is nearby.
Alsace Wine Route, heading north, passes through villages like Eguisheim (15 minutes), Riquewihr (35 minutes), and Ribeauvillé (40 minutes). These half-timbered villages are storybook-perfect. Stop at domaines for Riesling and Gewürztraminer tastings. The route follows the D5/D11 — scenic but slow.
Colmar, 40 minutes north, is Alsace’s most beautiful city. The Little Venice quarter, with its canals and flower-lined streets, is stunning. Park at the centre and walk — the old town is pedestrianised.
Basel, Switzerland, 30 minutes south, is a cultural hub with world-class museums and the Rhine. The old town is walkable. Note: Swiss motorways require a vignette (CHF 40) — avoid motorways or buy one at the border.
Black Forest, Germany, 30 minutes east across the Rhine. Drive to Freiburg im Breisgau for a charming university town, or continue into the forest for hiking and cuckoo clocks.
Driving Tips for France
Cross-border driving requires awareness. Swiss motorways need a vignette. German autobahns have no speed limit on some sections — stay right unless overtaking. French blood alcohol limits (0.5g/L) are stricter than Germany (0.5g/L) but Swiss rules apply in Switzerland.
The A35 through Alsace is gradually being upgraded. Some sections have speed limits and cameras, others don’t. Watch for changes. The Germans are stricter about speed cameras — radar warning apps are illegal.
Wine route driving: villages are connected by D roads, not autoroutes. This is scenic but slow. Allow 2 hours for the 70km from Mulhouse to Strasbourg via the wine route, versus 45 minutes on the A35.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a rental car into Germany and Switzerland?
Usually yes, but check your contract. Some companies charge cross-border fees. Switzerland is outside the EU — your EU car insurance covers it, but verify with your rental. German and Swiss roads are generally better maintained than French ones.
Is Mulhouse cheaper than Basel for car hire?
Yes — French rentals are often cheaper than Swiss. Petrol is also cheaper in France. Many visitors hire in Mulhouse, drive through Alsace, then drop at Basel airport or continue into Switzerland.
What’s special about Alsatian wine?
Alsace is unique in France for producing mainly white wines (Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris) and labelling by grape variety rather than region. The style is closer to German wines but fuller. The Route des Vins is a must-drive for any wine enthusiast.