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. On 1 January 2021, the departments of Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin will merge into the European Collectivity of Alsace. Haut-Rhin (department number 68) is bordered by the Territoire de Belfort and Vosges départements to the west, the Bas-Rhin to the North, Switzerland to the south, and its eastern border with Germany is also the Rhine. In the centre of the département lies a fertile plain. The climate is semi-continental, characterised by cold winters and hot, usually dry summers. The countryside is marked by hills.
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. On 1 January 2021, the departments of Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin will merge into the European Collectivity of Alsace. Haut-Rhin (department number 68) is bordered by the Territoire de Belfort and Vosges départements to the west, the Bas-Rhin to the North, Switzerland to the south, and its eastern border with Germany is also the Rhine. In the centre of the département lies a fertile plain. The climate is semi-continental, characterised by cold winters and hot, usually dry summers. The countryside is marked by hills.
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 is home to a Peugeot automobile factory, which manufactures the 106 and 206 models. Many Haut-Rhinois work in Switzerland, especially in the chemical industries of Basel, but commute from France, where living costs are lower.
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 2025
- Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €3,041
- Apartments: the average price per sq. metre: €3,203
- Price trends: –4% over the last 12 months, +43% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro)
House Prices in the Main Towns in Haut‑Rhin in 2025
- Average House Price in Mulhouse: €2,216 per sq. metre
- Average House Price in Colmar: €2,690 per sq. metre
- Average House Price in Saint‑Louis: €4,262 per sq. metre
(source:
Le Figaro – October 2025)
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