One of the most enchanting cities in France, Colmar looks straight out of a postcard.
Straight out of a storybook, Colmar is one of the most beautiful cities in northeastern France. Colorful medieval houses, cobbled streets, canals with blooming flowers and bridges create a unique setting that is hard to find elsewhere. The small town of Alsace lies where France meets Germany, and this is evident in many of its elements, from its architecture to its gastronomy.
Famous for its Christmas atmosphere, Colmar is ideal for a romantic getaway, but also for relaxed explorations in all seasons of the year. In summer the temperature is pleasant and the city hosts festivals that gather many travelers, while in winter the Christmas markets fill with songs and voices. During the holidays, you may be lucky and enjoy the snowy landscape. Just half an hour by train and an hour by car from Strasbourg, this city has its own distinctive character and wins the visitor at first sight.
A stroll in Colmars Little Venice
The most photographed neighborhood of the city is Little Venice (La Petite Venise), built along small canals, full of timber-framed houses in pastel colors and picturesque little bridges. The small boats that cross its canals offer one of the calmest and most atmospheric experiences. If the weather is good, you can explore the city from a different perspective. Little Venice is ideal for a romantic stroll, especially early in the morning when it’s not so crowded or at dusk.
Exploring the Old Town
Without needing a map, you can simply get lost in the cobbled lanes of the Old Town (Vieux Colmar). Mansions, medieval buildings and squares full of life compose an atmosphere of unpretentious beauty. You will immediately realize why Colmar was one of the places in Disney’s animated film «Beauty and the Beast» in 1991.
In the Old Town you will encounter the Maison Pfister, one of the city’s most emblematic houses with wooden balconies and impressive frescoes and the Koïfhus, the old customs house that is among the oldest buildings in the area, built at the meeting point of two main streets. Visit the Saint-Martin Cathedral, a brilliant example of Gothic architecture. It is one of the most impressive monuments of Colmar, built mainly between the 13th and 14th centuries, distinguished by its elaborate stained glass and the characteristic tower that dominates over the Old Town.
The citys museums
Don’t miss visiting Colmar’s museums, such as the Unterlinden Museum, housed in a former 13th-century convent, which combines medieval art with contemporary exhibitions. There you will admire the famous Isenheim Altarpiece, a work of high artistic value that attracts visitors from all over the world.
At the Musée du Jouet (Toy Museum), toy lovers and children will be thrilled. It hosts a large collection of 19th- and 20th-century toys, from dolls and train sets to board games and mechanical toys, all well preserved, while the interactive areas and impressive models make it stand out.
The Bartholdi Museum is housed in the childhood home of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the famous sculptor who created the Statue of Liberty. There you will see the artist’s personal items, drawings and models that capture his artistic journey. In addition, there you will discover more about the history of France.
Wine tasting at local wineries and vineyards
Alsace is known for its exceptional wines, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and the sparkling Crémant d’Alsace. In Colmar you will encounter wine cellars and small wineries, where you can taste the varieties and learn more about the region’s wine tradition. If you have time, it is worth taking a trip to the surrounding vineyards that constitute the heart of Alsatian winemaking.
Drive along the Route des Vins d’Alsace (Wine Route), making stops at wineries. Areas such as Turckheim, Ammerschwihr and Kaysersberg are home to some of the most well-known producers of the region, offering tours of the vineyards, cellar visits and tastings.
Local gastronomy
Beyond the region’s popular wines, there are plenty of flavors to try. The city market is full of fresh products and tastes that combine French and German tradition. Standouts include Flammkuchen, the traditional tarte flambée, the cabbage salad with sausages and cold cuts Choucroute garnie, the traditional Alsatian meat-and-potato stew Baeckeoffe and the fluffy cake Kougelhopf.
Magical Christmas in Colmar
At Christmas the city transforms into a truly magical setting. From November the city is transformed into a large, bright Christmas market with five themed villages and dozens of wooden chalets offering handmade ornaments, local products and mulled wine. The squares are atmospherically lit by the lights, while the canals reflect the gleaming buildings. The atmosphere is festive, with events for adults and children and music accompanied by the aromas of cinnamon.
Nearby getaways from Colmar
Colmar is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region of Alsace, which is full of picturesque villages. A top choice is Riquewihr, a village that seems to have remained untouched since the Middle Ages, with colorful houses and narrow lanes. Equally impressive is Eguisheim, considered by many as one of the most beautiful villages in France, with its traditional houses and blooming courtyards, as well as Mulhouse with museums dedicated to those who love technology and the history of transport.
Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, is less than an hour by car and half an hour by train and impresses with its Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, the canals of Petite France and its cosmopolitan atmosphere. For history lovers, Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, which dominates the top of a hill, offers panoramic views of the Rhine Valley and a fascinating tour of one of the most imposing medieval castles in France.
