Bâle
Discover Basel: art, the Rhine and living heritage
Want to discover Switzerland by train and stop off in Basel? Located at the crossroads of Switzerland, France and Germany, Basel is a cosmopolitan city that combines culture, architecture and a relaxed lifestyle on the banks of the Rhine. It is the ideal destination for a cultural city break, with its prestigious museums, picturesque old town, and river walks. Thanks to its central station (Basel SBB) and tram network, you can visit Basel very easily without a car.
Basel's cultural side
A true artistic capital of Switzerland, Basel has more than forty museums, a record in the country. The Kunstmuseum, the world's oldest public art museum, houses masterpieces from Holbein to Picasso. The Beyeler Foundation, designed by Renzo Piano, combines nature, art, and light in an exceptional setting. Add to that the Tinguely Museum, dedicated to the Swiss artist of movement and play, and you'll understand why the city attracts art lovers from all over the world.
Basel's heritage
Basel's charm is also evident in its historic center (Altstadt), with colorful facades and cobbled streets leading up to the red-sandstone cathedral, the Basler Münster. From the top, the view of the Rhine and the rooftops of the old town is magnificent. Between visits, soak up the local life: in summer, locals swim across the river or gather in the evening on the lively riverbanks. The atmosphere is both relaxed and typically Swiss.
Basel's nature and mobility
Crossed by the Rhine, Basel lives to the rhythm of its river: you can walk along it, take a boat trip, or simply swim in it like a local. The city is also committed to smooth and sustainable mobility: its tram network serves all neighborhoods and even the French and German borders! Directly accessible by train from Paris, Strasbourg, or Zurich, Basel is easy to visit without a car, in the spirit of low-carbon travel. And to go further afield, you can also explore the surroundings of Basel by train for a day trip.
