Located close to the German and Swiss borders in the Alsace region of eastern France, the city of Mulhouse is the second largest in the area and is renowned for its many museums. Dating to the 12th century but rumored to have been first settled in 58 BC, the town is marked by the Ill and the Doller rivers, which are both tributaries of the Rhine.

The medieval old town area is divided into an upper and a lower portion. The upper town dates back to the 18th century and has housed a number of monastic orders throughout the years, including the Poor Clares, Franciscans and the Knights of Malta. The lower town is constructed around the Place de la Reunion and at one time housed mainly craftsmen and merchants. While visiting, be sure to check out the Hotel de Ville, which dates back to the 16th century, as well as the town hall, which was built in 1553.