Haut-Rhin is a department in the
Grand-Est region of France, named after the Rhine River. Its name means Upper Rhine. Haut-Rhin is the smaller and less populated of the two departments that formerly comprised the administrative Alsace region, the other being the Bas-Rhin (Lower Rhine). Especially after the 1871 cession of the southern territory, known since 1922 as Territoire de Belfort, although it remains densely populated compared to the rest of metropolitan France. Starting from 1 January 2021, the departments of Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin will unite to form the European Collectivity of Alsace. Haut-Rhin (department number 68) borders the Territoire de Belfort and Vosges departments to the west, Bas-Rhin to the north, Switzerland to the south, and its eastern border with Germany is the Rhine. A fertile plain is located at the heart of the département. The region experiences a semi-continental climate, with cold winters and hot, typically dry summers. The landscape features hilly terrain.
Discover Haut Rhin - Houses & Lifestyle in Haut Rhin
Haut-Rhin is a department in the
Grand-Est region of France, named after the Rhine River. Its name means Upper Rhine. Haut-Rhin is the smaller and less populated of the two departments that formerly comprised the administrative Alsace region, the other being the Bas-Rhin (Lower Rhine). Especially after the 1871 cession of the southern territory, known since 1922 as Territoire de Belfort, although it remains densely populated compared to the rest of metropolitan France. Starting from 1 January 2021, the departments of Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin will unite to form the European Collectivity of Alsace. Haut-Rhin (department number 68) borders the Territoire de Belfort and Vosges departments to the west, Bas-Rhin to the north, Switzerland to the south, and its eastern border with Germany is the Rhine. A fertile plain is located at the heart of the département. The region experiences a semi-continental climate, with cold winters and hot, typically dry summers. The landscape features hilly terrain.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Haut-Rhin is one of the richest départements of
beautiful France; its
préfecture city is Colmar, renowned for its well-preserved old town, numerous architectural landmarks, and museums, including the Unterlinden Museum. Colmar is situated on the Alsatian Wine Route and considers itself to be the "capital of Alsatian wine".
Economic Landscape
Mulhouse hosts a Peugeot factory that produces the 106 and 206 models. Many residents of Haut-Rhinois commute to Switzerland for work, particularly to Basel's chemical industries, taking advantage of lower living costs in France.
Key Information about the Haut-Rhin (68)
- Main City/Prefecture: Colmar
- Nearest Airport: EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (approx. 60 km)
- Population: Around 770,000 (as of the latest census)
- Area: 3,525 sq. kilometres and 1,361 sq. miles
- Landmark: Petite Venise in Colmar, a picturesque canal district with colourful houses.
- Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 3 million, drawn by its Alsace Wine Route, medieval villages and Christmas markets.
Property Prices in Haut‑Rhin in 2026
- Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €3,037 (April 2026)
- Apartments: the average price per sq. metre: €3,282 (April 2026)
- Price trends: –3% over the last 12 months, +43% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro)
House Prices in the Main Towns in Haut‑Rhin in 2026
- Average House Price in Mulhouse: €2,059 per sq. metre (April 2026)
- Average House Price in Colmar: €3,409 per sq. metre (April 2026)
(source:
Le Figaro)
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