Cité du Train — Attraction in Mulhouse

I’ve been to railroad museums throughout the world, and this one is probably in my top 3 for BEST train museums. Just a short 15-ish minute light-rail ride from the main train station in Mulhouse, France; the stop is within easy walking distance and easy to find with well-labeled signage. The museum is more geared toward the national audience (French) as we didn’t always find translations for some of the information. Thankfully, with modern technology, it’s easy to translate from your phone (thanks google translate). But let’s be honest here, the trains and experience as a whole speaks for itself. The tour begins in a main hall with several interesting and specialized engines and cars - including a really cool snowblower! As you progress the the museum, you see a huge selection of railroad passenger cars ranging from multiple eras and multiple classes. Further in you get to experience a full history of the French Railroad Locomotives beginning with wooden steam engines, all the way through to modern High Speed Electric Rail. The pieces are all beautifully restored and in immaculate condition and really gives you a sense of the importance and immeasurable need that the railroad filled in the development of France and Europe as a whole. This museum is massive, so please leave yourself at least 2 hours to really take-in the huge place and all it...

If at all interested by trains, it's unmissable.

This enormous museum is a train enthusiast's dream. Having been absolutely fascinated by trains when I was a kid, I spent hours in the huge complex absorbing as much information as possible. The two main halls are a little different - one being grouped mainly by theme, whereas the other is chronological. Both were great, but I think I preferred the chronological hall, which goes all the way from the first steam engines up until the ultra-modern, world-record holding TGV. Hearing all about these certainly made me appreciate my ride home (on the TGV Lyria) a lot more!

I had the opportunity to use the audioguide in both English and French, as I put down my English one when I was taking a rest and one of the stealthy museum gnomes whisked it away while I wasn't looking. The French version is slightly better - a bit more background is provided - but the English is perfectly good, if not already a bit lengthy in parts.

As a few people have mentioned, the main hall is glacial inside during the winter - keep your coat and gloves with you. They did put out portable heaters in there, which helped quite a bit when huddled next to. I brought my own lunch and so I didn't try the museum café.

All in all, it was a great visit. I'm sure it would be less interesting for non-enthusiasts,...

Unfortunately I'm afflicted by some strange disease that makes me excited by trains and this place just exacerbated my condition! The museum is really well laid out with an obvious history of French railways. Although, you can discern the general gist of what's going on, sadly most signs are in French, so don't expect to lots of technical information in English. However, I was offered an audio tour at the start (presumably in English) but you had to have your own headphones and I'd left mine in the gite! The exhibits are in great condition and most have viewing platforms to help you see inside. The story of French obsession with rail speed is very interesting and contrast markedly with Britain's railways (however quaint ours are). The videos interspersed around the displays (although in French) are well worth watching as they show railway operations in some unusual settings. The only downside was the shop which appeared to be covid-paranoid rather than just secure. It also seemed a little pricey (but maybe that's thanks to Brexit!). A great place to spend a morning or afternoon, taking about 2-3 hours. Also, there is catering although they don't sell decaffeinated coffee - otherwise this...