Discover Colmar, the capital of Alsatian wines, this postcard town will transport you into another dimension, out of time, thanks to its architecture and its particularities which will make you fall under its charm.
1. Little Venice
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The course of the Lauch river which crosses Colmar has the nickname of Little Venice, this particularity is due to the alignment of the houses along the canal which crosses the city.
The district of Little Venice starts behind the Koïfhus, passes by the fish market quay and goes up to the Turenne and Saint-Pierre bridges.
You can also admire the many colorful, century-old, half-timbered houses decorated with geraniums along the canal, or board a boat on the Lauch.
2. The Koïfhus
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The Koïfhus is the old customs house dating from the 15th century, it was used to regulate and control the two main traffic axes of the ancient medieval city, the Grand’rue and the Rue des Marchands.
Today the Koïfhus hosts many events. After having hosted the meetings of the deputies of the Decapolis, a local theater, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as a Catholic school for boys and a Jewish school.
You can also visit the building during the events that are organized in it.
3. The Covered Market
Dating from 1865, the Colmar covered market, offers you the possibility to discover the local products and the Alsatian gastronomy inside this brick building and its metal structure.
Leave with fresh and quality produce that about twenty merchants will offer you, like Munster cheese or cookies.
4. The Collegiale Saint-Martin
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The collegiate church of Saint-Martin is the most important religious building in the city of Colmar, as well as the second-largest Catholic building in Alsace after the cathedral of Strasbourg.
The building’s bulbous lantern gives it its characteristic silhouette. The collegiate church is a major work of Gothic architecture in Alsace and was called a Cathedral for ten years before losing its title in 1801.
5. Gastronomy
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In Colmar, you will find all the Alsatian culinary specialties, from sauerkraut to flammekueche, in the numerous historical and family-owned restaurants.
6. The Wine Fair
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The unmissable summer event for Alsatians.
Every year, during the last two weeks of July, Alsatians meet at the wine fair, the perfect place to taste, discover, and buy Alsatian wines.
They also do so to party, eat and attend the many concerts organized with national and international artists.
7. The Bartholdi Museum
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The museum is dedicated to the sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, who created the Statue of Liberty.
Discover the world of Bartholdi on three floors, through objects belonging to him, engravings, drawings and sculptures, in the heart of his hometown.
8. The Maison Adolf
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Discover the Maison Adolph, which is the oldest house in Colmar built around 1350.
Admire its architecture which was able to cross the ages and was modified along the centuries. The building carries the name of Adolph because it belonged to the Adolph family which, at the end of the XIXth century, cleared up the Gothic bays.
9. The Christmas Market
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The Christmas market in Colmar is an Alsatian tradition.
In December, you can find small chalets spread out in the heart of the city where craftsmen will have cookies, gingerbread, and typically Alsatian decorative objects on display.
Related content: Our ranking of the most beautiful Alsatian Christmas markets
10. The Nautical Base
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The water sports center of Colmar offers you all summer long to take advantage of its 380 meters of fine sand beach, to better endure the Alsatian heat.
The water sports center also offers activities such as a 1000 m² aquapark with diving boards, trampolines, paddle and pedal boat rentals… as well as three restaurants.
FAQ
How long does it take to visit Colmar?
It takes one day for a quick visit of the city, and 2 days to visit the whole city. To make the most of it and admire the majestic facades, you should just walk around.
Count on an extra day if you wish to visit a vineyard on the wine route on the outskirts of Colmar.
Is Colmar safe at night?
Colmar is a relatively safe city at night, and if you are in a group, you will be safe.
Colmar or Strasbourg? Which city should a tourist visit first?
Colmar, even if it is less known, should be visited before Strasbourg. Colmar is a peaceful and quiet city, its architecture and streets have nothing to envy to Strasbourg.
Smaller in size, it fully corresponds to a typical small Alsatian town, ideal for families, unlike Strasbourg which is a much more populated and less warm city.
Which is the best Christmas market? Colmar or Strasbourg?
The best Christmas market is the one in Colmar, more intimate and less crowded, you will find the essence of the Alsatian Christmas markets. Colmar offers 6 Christmas markets with different atmospheres spread all over the city center.
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
