You step into a fairytale as you wander through the charming streets of this Alsace town, surrounded by colorful half-timbered buildings and picturesque canals.
The unique blend of French and German influences is evident in the architecture, cuisine, and culture, making it a fascinating city to explore.
With its remarkably well-preserved medieval architecture, you’ll feel as though you’ve traveled back in time. As you explore, you’ll discover a wealth of things to see and do, from museums and local cuisine to scenic canal tours.
Discovering the Charm of Colmar
Colmar, a hidden gem in the Alsace region, is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a blend of French and German cultures. This charming town has been influenced by both cultures throughout its history, resulting in a unique Alsatian character that captivates visitors.
The Unique Alsatian Character
Colmar’s distinctive character is evident in its remarkably preserved medieval buildings, featuring colorful half-timbered facades, ornate details, and flower-adorned balconies. The city‘s historic center is a storybook atmosphere, making it an ideal place for walking tours. As you wander through the cobblestone streets, you’ll discover the fascinating blend of French elegance and German architectural influences that make Colmar truly unique in Europe.
How Many Days to Spend in Colmar
To fully experience Colmar, you’ll want to allocate at least 2-3 days to explore the city at a relaxed pace. This allows you sufficient time to wander the streets, discover hidden corners, and appreciate the local culture. If you plan to use Colmar as a base for exploring the broader Alsace region, consider extending your stay to 3-5 days to accommodate day trips to nearby villages and attractions.
With its compact size, Colmar is an ideal destination for travelers who prefer to explore on foot. Most major attractions are concentrated in a relatively small area, making it easy to navigate and enjoy the charming atmosphere of this beautiful town.
Getting to and Around Colmar
With multiple transportation options available, reaching Colmar is convenient and stress-free. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, Colmar is easily accessible by train or car.
Transportation Options to Colmar
Colmar is well-connected to major European cities. If you’re flying, the nearest airports are Strasbourg-Entzheim Airport and EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, both about a 45-minute drive away. For those taking the train, Colmar Station is just a 10-minute walk from the city center.
- Direct train connections are available from cities like Paris (2 hours 15 minutes) and Cologne (approximately 3.5 hours).
- For travelers driving from Paris, the trip takes around 5 hours and 20 minutes, while from Cologne, it’s about 5 hours by car.
Navigating the City
Once in Colmar, you’ll find that the city is perfectly designed for pedestrian exploration. The train station is conveniently located just a short walk from the historic center.
For day trips to surrounding villages, consider renting a car or using the tourist trains and bicycle rentals available at the train station.
Wandering Through Colmar’s Old Town
Wandering through Colmar’s Old Town is like stepping into a fairy tale, with its charming streets and historic buildings. The area is a maze of cobblestone paths lined with exceptionally preserved medieval and Renaissance houses that date back several centuries.
Colorful Half-Timbered Houses
The houses in Colmar’s Old Town are not just visually stunning; they tell stories about their former inhabitants. Specific colors traditionally indicated the occupations of the families, such as blue for fishermen and yellow for bakers. As you explore, you’ll notice charming architectural details like carved hearts, which signified that an eligible woman lived in the house.
Historic Landmarks in the City Center
As you wander through the city center, be sure to visit key landmarks like the impressive St. Martin’s Church, with its gleaming red and gold stone and distinctive tiled roof. Another must-see is the historic Customs House (Koifhus), which once served as the center of Colmar’s medieval trading power. Don’t miss the Adolph House, one of the oldest buildings in Colmar, dating back to around 1350.
Exploring Colmar’s Old Town on foot is an absolute must-do activity. You’ll discover a charming town with a rich history, where every street and building has a story to tell. The unique blend of medieval architecture and picturesque surroundings makes Colmar’s Old Town a truly unforgettable experience.
Exploring Petite Venise (Little Venice)
The enchanting Petite Venise neighborhood in Colmar is a treasure trove of picturesque canals, bridges, and traditional Alsatian architecture. As you explore this charming district, you’ll be captivated by its serene atmosphere and the beauty of its surroundings.
Canal Boat Tours
One of the best ways to experience Petite Venise is by taking a canal boat tour. These tours allow you to glide silently through the canals, taking in the sights and sounds of this picturesque neighborhood. You’ll pass under weeping willows and alongside flower-adorned buildings, giving you a unique perspective on this charming area.
The boat tours depart from the bridge Saint Pierre next to Restaurant Le Caveau Saint-Pierre. The 30-minute cruise costs approximately €8 per person. For the best views, try to secure a seat at the front of the boat.
Best Photo Spots in Little Venice
Petite Venise is renowned for its photogenic qualities, making it a paradise for photographers. Some of the prime photo spots include the view from Pont Saint-Pierre, the junction of canals near Quai de la Poissonnerie, and the perspective from Rue des Écoles looking toward the colorful waterfront houses.
The atmosphere in Petite Venise changes with the seasons, offering a different visual treat each time you visit. In the spring, cascading flowers from window boxes add a vibrant touch, while summer brings lush greenery. Autumn provides a warm, golden hue, and winter transforms the area into a magical Christmas wonderland with special illuminations.
Colmar, France: Best Things to Do – Top Picks for Culture Lovers
As a culture enthusiast, you’ll find Colmar a treasure trove of art, history, and intriguing museums. The city’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its numerous museums, each offering a unique perspective on Colmar’s history and significance.
Unterlinden Museum and the Isenheim Altarpiece
The Unterlinden Museum is a crown jewel among Colmar’s cultural institutions, housed in a beautifully preserved 13th-century Dominican convent. With a collection spanning 7,000 years of history and art, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the region’s heritage. The museum’s star attraction is the Isenheim Altarpiece, a remarkable piece from 1515 featuring hinged panels that could be reconfigured according to the liturgical season.
Bartholdi Museum
Dedicated to Colmar’s most famous son, Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, the Bartholdi Museum celebrates the sculptor’s life and work, including his most famous creation, the Statue of Liberty. The museum is located in Bartholdi’s birthplace home, offering a glimpse into the artist’s life and creative process.
Toy Museum of Colmar
For a more lighthearted cultural experience, the Toy Museum of Colmar is a delightful destination, especially for families. Housed in a former movie theater, the museum displays over 2,000 toys dating from the 19th century to the present, including vintage teddy bears, dolls, and interactive exhibits that children can enjoy.
Colmar’s city center is also filled with things to see and do, from historic landmarks to charming canals. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or simply exploring a new city, Colmar has something for everyone.
Food and Wine Experiences in Colmar
In Colmar, the blend of French and German influences creates a unique gastronomic experience. As you explore the city, you’ll encounter a variety of traditional Alsatian dishes and an array of wines that are distinct to the region.
Traditional Alsatian Cuisine
Alsatian cuisine is a fascinating blend of French and German culinary traditions. You can expect to find dishes like tarte flambée (a thin-crust savory tart), choucroute (sauerkraut with various meats), baeckeoffe (a hearty meat and vegetable casserole), and bretzel (Alsatian pretzels). The influence of German cuisine is evident in the use of potatoes, pretzels, sauerkraut, and sausage, while the French touch is reflected in dishes like foie gras and poulet au Riesling (chicken cooked in Riesling wine).
Wine Tasting in Colmar
Colmar is at the heart of the Alsace wine region, renowned for its white wines. The region’s wines are named after their grape varieties, such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat. You can visit family-run wineries like Domaine Karcher in the city center to taste some of these exceptional wines and learn about the local winemaking traditions.
Visiting the Covered Market
The historic Covered Market (Marché Couvert) in Colmar is a must-visit for any food enthusiast. Dating back to 1865, this market offers a sensory feast with approximately 20 vendors selling regional specialties, fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and baked goods. Plan to spend at least an hour exploring and sampling the various offerings.
Day Trips from Colmar
Beyond Colmar’s charming streets and historic landmarks, the surrounding region is full of exciting day trip possibilities. You can explore the picturesque Alsace countryside, visit charming villages, and enjoy the region’s renowned wines.
Exploring the Alsace Wine Route
The Alsace Wine Route (Route des Vins d’Alsace) stretches for 170 kilometers through picturesque countryside, offering one of the most scenic day trips from Colmar with its vineyard-covered hills, medieval castles, and charming villages. You can explore the wine route by car, organized tour, or even bicycle (rentable at Colmar train station), stopping at family-run wineries along the way to sample the region’s renowned white wines and learn about local viticulture traditions.
Visiting Fairy-Tale Villages: Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Ribeauvillé
Just 7 kilometers from Colmar, the village of Eguisheim makes for an easy day trip and was once voted France’s favorite village—with its unique circular layout, 33 wineries despite having only 1,500 residents, and free wine tastings throughout town. The fairy-tale villages of Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé, both a short drive from Colmar, offer exceptionally preserved medieval architecture, with Riquewihr often cited as the inspiration for Belle’s village in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.”
Seasonal Events and Festivals in Colmar
From Christmas markets to summer festivals, Colmar offers a diverse range of events and activities that cater to different interests. The town comes alive throughout the year with various celebrations that showcase its rich cultural heritage.
Christmas Markets in Colmar
Colmar transforms into a magical winter wonderland during its famous Christmas markets, which run for approximately five weeks from late November through December 30. The Christmas markets feature six distinct market areas throughout the town that blend together into one festive experience. You’ll find local artisans, regional food specialties, and unique decorations, while the entire historic center becomes illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights.
The Christmas market experience is highlighted by the Glühwein carousel, where you can enjoy mulled wine while riding on a festive merry-go-round—a unique feature that makes Colmar’s markets stand out from others in Europe.
Summer Festivals and Events
During the summer, the town comes alive with the Colmar International Festival in July, which attracts world-class classical musicians and creates a sophisticated cultural atmosphere throughout the city. This festival is a great opportunity to experience the best of classical music in a beautiful setting.
Colmar hosts various events throughout the year, making it a great destination to visit at any time. Whether you’re interested in Christmas markets, Easter markets, or summer festivals, Colmar has something to offer.
Family-Friendly Activities in Colmar
With its rich history, cultural landmarks, and entertaining activities, Colmar is a fantastic destination for families to explore together. You can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities that cater to all ages, making it an ideal place for a family vacation.
Parks and Outdoor Spaces
For a relaxing break in the heart of Colmar, head to Parc du Champ de Mars. This spacious, green park is perfect for families to unwind and enjoy the outdoors. It features wide open spaces, shaded areas, and playgrounds, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or some outdoor games with the kids.
Interactive Experiences for Children
Colmar offers numerous interactive experiences that are sure to delight your children. You can visit the Choco Story Museum, where families can learn about chocolate-making and participate in 45-minute workshops with a chocolatier. Additionally, the Toy Museum features a collection of over 2,000 toys from the 19th century to the present day, with interactive exhibits where children can touch and play with many of the displays.
- Explore Parc du Champ de Mars for outdoor fun and seasonal attractions.
- Visit the Choco Story Museum for a hands-on chocolate-making experience.
- Discover the Toy Museum’s extensive collection of toys and interactive exhibits.
- Take a relaxing canal boat tour through Petite Venise for a unique perspective of the city.
Hidden Gems in Colmar
As you explore the charming streets of Colmar, you’ll discover that beyond its popular tourist spots, the city hides several gems waiting to be uncovered. While the city’s famous landmarks are a must-see, it’s the lesser-known areas that truly showcase Colmar’s unique character.
The Tanners’ Quarter
Nestled within La Petite Venise, the Tanners’ Quarter is a hidden gem that offers a unique peek into Colmar’s rich history. You’ll find narrow cobblestone streets and beautiful half-timbered houses that still carry the marks of medieval craftsmanship. The quarter tells the story of the city’s leatherworking past, where tanners once used the upper floors of their distinctive tall houses to dry leather hides.
House with Heads (Maison des Têtes)
One of Colmar’s most unique and often overlooked landmarks is the Maison des Têtes (House with Heads). Located on Rue des Têtes, this striking building is adorned with 106 sculpted heads, some representing historical figures, others featuring fantastical creatures. The Maison des Têtes was built in 1609 by a wealthy merchant and stands out for its intricate Renaissance-style façade, making it a must-visit part of Colmar’s center.
Where to Stay in Colmar
When planning your trip to Colmar, choosing the right place to stay is crucial for a memorable experience. You’ll want to be close to the town’s main attractions and restaurants.
For luxury travelers, La Maison des Têtes offers five-star accommodations in a historic building dating back to 1609, featuring plush rooms and highly-rated dining options just minutes from the main sights.
Other great options include Hotel Le Colombier, situated in the heart of Petite Venise, and James Boutique Hotel, which offers excellent value with a convenient location just a block from the city center.
These hotels provide easy access to Colmar’s picturesque streets, historic landmarks, and local restaurants, making your stay in Colmar truly unforgettable.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Visit to Colmar
With its unique blend of French and German influences, Colmar is a destination that rewards visitors who take their time to explore. To make the most of your visit, consider spending at least 2-3 full days to experience both the popular highlights and hidden corners of this enchanting destination.
Balance your visit between structured activities like museum tours and wine tastings with plenty of unscheduled time for wandering the colorful streets. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample local Alsace wine and regional specialties during your stay. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or an extended stay, Colmar’s picturesque canals and medieval architecture create an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of the Alsace region, offering many things to see and do.
The above is subject to change.
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