If you’re part of the American military community in Southwest Germany, or an expat living anywhere near Kaiserslautern, Stuttgart, Alsace, or Basel, you probably know the feeling.
No matter how much you love the food in Europe, sometimes you just miss your favorite snacks. And let’s face it, “bulk shopping” in Europe is pretty nonexistent. And then you realize like we did… you would absolutely drive 3 hours for Costco.
That’s exactly why the new Costco in Mulhouse, France has become the best day trip for expats craving a taste of home.
After finally making the trip ourselves, I can confidently say: it’s not just about the groceries. I used to live in Alaska and our semi-annual trips to Costco felt like Christmas. For me (and especially my husband), it was walking into something familiar, loading up our cart with things we didn’t even know we missed, discovering incredible french food (Costco sized!) and somehow making a full-day adventure out of it.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Costco in Mulhouse, from how to register to what you’ll find inside, and whether it’s actually worth the drive.
Where is Costco in Mulhouse?
You’ll find Costco at 170 Rue des Romains, in Mulhouse, France.
- 1 hour 35 minutes from Stuttgart
- 2 hours 50 minutes from Ramstein Air Base
- 3 hours from Kaiserslautern and Baumholder
For most of us, this is beyond a grocery run, it’s definitely a planned day trip. But that’s honestly part of the fun!
Parking at Costco in Mulhouse
One thing that feels instantly familiar is the parking lot.
Just like in the U.S., Costco Mulhouse has a large, easy-to-navigate parking area with plenty of space for larger vehicles.
Go earlier in the day if possible, especially on weekends, since this location is getting more popular with both locals and expats.
And yes, you’ll definitely want to come by car. You’re not leaving empty-handed!
What You Need to Bring to Register
👉 If you have a current Costco card from anywhere in the world, your existing Costco card works in Mulhouse.
If you don’t have a current Costco card, you’ll need to register at the store. You cannot shop unless you have a current Costco card at the checkout.
You must bring:
- A photo ID
- Paperwork that shows proof of your physical address (not your military APO address).
*Luckily for me they weren’t too picky about the address documentation because the only thing I had on me with my physical German address was a receipt for tickets to the Luxembourg Philharmonic, and they accepted it! A utility bill will also work.
How You Sign Up for Costco in Mulhouse
To sign up and get your Costco membership card (which is required for shopping), you’ll need to go to the registration area located all the way on the South side of the building.
Here’s how it works:
- Find the registration area (located on the south side of the building, see map above)
- Use one of the iPads by the windows to fill out your application (you can select English at the beginning of the registration process)
- Wait on line to speak with a staff member at the counter
- They’ll verify your required documents and take your photo (Head’s up: it will look like it was taken in front of a fun house mirror)
- You’ll receive your card on the spot!
Most staff speak enough English to help, and if not, they’ll usually find someone who does. After I waited on line first, they kindly told me I had to fill out the form on the iPad first… Don’t be like me.
Hours of Operation for Costco in Mulhouse
Costco Mulhouse Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 10:00 – 20:30
- Saturday: 09:00 – 20:30
- Sunday: Closed
How Much Does an Annual Membership Cost?
The annual French Costco membership is €36.
The Costco in Mulhouse does NOT issue day passes.
For me, the annual membership would be worth it even if I only went on one big trip a year.
What You Will Find at Costco in Mulhouse
Walking into Costco Mulhouse feels familiar and also slightly surreal.
On one hand, it was everything I remembered, like the oversized shopping carts, the bulk packaging, and aisles that seem to go on forever.
On the other hand, it’s very French.
Some of the American Favorites:
After almost five years with no Costco, this was nostalgia time for me!
You’ll find:
- Costco bakery staples like muffins, cookies, and huge cakes (specialty and sheet cakes)
- Huge jars of peanut butter
- Breakfast cereals you won’t easily find in Germany
- Protein powders and supplements
- Snack foods and sauces (think Frank’s hot sauce, Everything But the Bagel seasoning, etc.)
- A full liquor section with American whiskey, and Kirkland brands in big bottles
- Bake-at-home pizzas, and rotisserie chicken
- A full frozen section including chicken wings, and cheeseburger sliders
- The famous food court with hot dogs and pizza where my husband beelined!
I hadn’t realized how many things I’d been missing!
And yes, the free samples you know and love are scattered throughout the store.
Some of the Incredible French Items:
Then there’s the part we were secretly hoping for. Costco Mulhouse isn’t just a carbon copy American store dropped into France, it’s the best of both worlds!
You’ll find:
- Fresh seafood like oysters, mussels, cockels, whole salmon and crabs, and caviar
- High-quality meats including steaks, whole chickens and turkeys, duck, and even rabbit
- Large packs of croissants, pain au chocolat, eclairs and other pastries, plus baguettes!
- French cheeses, butter, and specialty dairy products
- Items like foie gras, terrines, and duck confit
- Bulk packs of madeleines, macarons, and creme brulée
- Fresh produce from the Alsace region
It’s this mix of familiar and fabulous that makes the trip so very worth the drive!
Non-food Items:
Like any Costco, this isn’t just about food.
You’ll also find:
- Electronics of all kinds, including huge TVs
- Kitchen appliances (with European plugs)
- Clothing, from jeans to winter coats and more
- Christmas trees and decorations
- Home goods and furniture
- Tools and outdoor equipment
- A tire center
- Office furniture and supplies
- Optical and hearing centers
- Even those giant teddy bears you see all over buildings in Alsace at Christmas time!
And just like in the U.S., it’s very easy to come in for snacks and leave with a new air fryer.
Tips for Visiting Costco Mulhouse as an Expat
A few things to keep in mind before you go:
- Note that Costco in Mulhouse is CLOSED ON SUNDAYS so plan accordingly!
- Bring a cooler for frozen and refrigerated items
- Maximize the storage space in your car before you go
- Expect to spend more time and money than you planned (Nothing changes!)
- Don’t forget your passport if you are coming from outside of France
- Double check you have all the right documentation to register before you go
The Perfect Day Trip from Germany
One of the best ways to approach this trip is to make it more than just about shopping. Mulhouse is located in Alsace, which means you’re close to charming french towns, vineyards, and seasonal Christmas and Easter markets and festivities.Pairing Costco with a stop in the region turns this into a really fun and slightly indulgent day out.
Is Costco in Mulhouse Worth It?
For expats and military families in Southwest Germany, Costco in Mulhouse is the feeling of walking into something familiar after months (or years) abroad, stocking up on the things you love, and turning a long drive into something genuinely enjoyable.
If you’ve been missing Costco, this is your sign. Plan the trip, clear out your trunk, and be ready to come home with far more than you expected.
Have an Epic Time at Costco in Mulhouse!
Hopefully this post has given you all the information you need to organize your perfect, wonderfully exhausting, and highly productive day of Costco binging! If not, all the information you need can be found at the Costco in Mulhouse official website.
My husband and I went a few months ago, and now as I begin to have to ration out my big bag of truffle garlic mixed nuts, I know it’s going to be time for another trip soon!
Read more about other great day trips from the Kaiserslautern area with my ultimate guide of the Best Day Trips from Kaiserslautern!
