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Colmar was an unexpected surprise for me. I’d seen plenty of photos before visiting and knew I’d love it, but none of them did it justice. I can completely see why this storybook town is said to have inspired Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
Colmar, in the heart of France’s Alsace region, is known for its colorful half-timbered houses, rich wine culture, enchanting Christmas markets, and locally made Alsatian goods. It’s often called the wine capital of Alsace, where crisp white wines are the specialty.
I visited Colmar and the Alsace region during the Christmas market season, and the festive decorations and cozy atmosphere made it even more magical.
In this post, we’ll explore what makes Colmar special, including must-see spots, top things to do, and my favorite experiences. You’ll also find practical tips on how much time to spend, the best time to visit, and nearby towns to add to your Alsace itinerary.
Is Colmar Worth Visiting?
Yes! Imagine a town straight out of a fairytale with half-timbered houses lining peaceful canals, swans gliding by, and every corner begging for a photo. That’s Colmar.
But it’s not just the views that make it special. Its unique history, dating back to medieval times, and the fascinating blend of French and German culture give Colmar so much character. I loved this blend of cultures.
The town is also home to plenty of museums and sits right along the Alsace Wine Route, making it the perfect base for exploring the region’s charming nearby villages.
And the best part? Colmar is easily reachable by car, air, or train.
Pack your camera and wander the cobblestone streets with me. Let’s go to Colmar!
💡Pro tip – The Colmar City Pass offers unlimited access to top attractions, a one-time ride on the tourist train or a guided tour (depending on the season), and a canal boat trip. It’s valid for seven days and costs around €35. You can buy it at the Tourist Office, the Unterlinden Museum, Hansi Village, or online.
18 Things You Need To Know Before You Go
Colmar is worth visiting anytime of the year. It can get busy during the wine festival or Christmas markets, but it’s absolutely still worth a stop. Despite its size, the town still feels cozy and full of small-town charm, making it one of the must-see destinations in Alsace and France.
If you’re short on time, the 2-hour Segway tour is a great way to see the city. It’s fun, unique, and lets you cover more ground while still soaking in the canals, half-timbered houses, and Old Town charm.
Here’s everything you need to know before visiting Colmar.
1. Magical Half-Timbered Houses: Straight Out of a Storybook
Many say that Colmar’s storybook streets and architecture inspired Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
The architecture of the half-timbered houses is distinct in that wooden exposed frames create grid like patterns on homes and the grids are filled in with materials like plaster or brick.
When these buildings were first constructed in the late 12th century, timber was an inexpensive and widely available building material.
The color was added later, starting in the 1800s, to show prosperity and to make the town more picturesque and charming.
For me, just stepping among these charming houses and taking it all in was worth the trip by itself. I couldn’t stop snapping photos!
2. A Fairytale Stroll: Old Colmar & Little Venice
Wandering the cobblestone streets and colorful half-timbered houses feels like stepping into a fairytale. The canal-lined neighborhood of Little Venice was historically home to professional fishermen, and the Quai de la Poissonnerie (Fisherman’s Wharf) remains one of Colmar’s most picturesque spots.
I had to wait a little to get to the front and snap this photo, so bring your patience. The view is definitely worth it!
👉Be sure to catch the year-round light show in Old Town on weekends and during major events.
3. Canal Boat Rides in Little Venice
If you want a different perspective of Colmar, a boat ride along the canals is a relaxing way to see the city. Tours last about 25 minutes and depart from Pont Saint-Pierre, next to the Caveau Saint-Pierre restaurant.
The Colmar City Pass includes one free boat ride.
Boats run year-round but are weather dependent, so check ahead once you have your ride planned. Seats can fill up quickly, so booking in advance is a good idea, especially during events like the Christmas markets.
4. Why Colmar Feels So Unique
Colmar dates back to medieval times. During the Middle Ages it became an important trading town along what is now known as the Alsace wine route.
Starting in the 17th century, Colmar was passed back and forth between France and Germany several times, which is why the culture here is such a unique mix of both. You can see it in everything from the architecture to the food, and it’s one of the things I loved most about Colmar.
Fortunately, Colmar was largely spared from destruction in both World Wars, which is why so much of its historic charm remains beautifully preserved today.
5. Colmar’s Connection to the Statue of Liberty
Did you know that Auguste Bartholdi, the designer of the Statue of Liberty, was born in Colmar? I certainly didn’t before visiting! The town even has a replica of the iconic statue, celebrating its hometown hero and his world-famous creation.
The replica of the Statue of Liberty in Colmar is located at the northern entrance to the city on Route de Strasbourg (D83). It stands in the middle of a roundabout of a busy intersection, so not easy to get to, but stands as a welcome to visitors entering the city.
6. Colmar Is Full of Museums
Colmar offers museums for every interest, from art and history to chocolate, toys, and wine. Many are included or discounted with the Colmar City Pass.
Musée Unterlinden Art Museum – Housed in a former 13th-century convent, this museum was expanded in 1906 with the addition of the old municipal baths and a contemporary wing. Visitors can also enjoy the museum, cloister garden, cafe, and orchards daily except Tuesdays.
Bartholdi Museum – Explore the former home of Auguste Bartholdi (1834–1904), creator of the Statue of Liberty, featuring models of his monuments and family life.
Chocolate Museum – Learn about chocolate’s history and production with an audio guide and tasting. Workshops are available for an extra fee..
Toy museum – Three floors of toys from the 19th century to today. Fun for all ages.
Wine Museum – Located next door to the chocolate museum, discover Alsace wines and winemaking, with audio guide and tasting included.
The Hansi Village and its Museum – Across from the famous “Maison des Têtes” (House of Heads), explore Alsace life through the artwork of Jean-Jacques Waltz (Hansi).
💡Pro Tip: To make the most of your day, start with the Musée Unterlinden in the morning and then visit nearby museums like the Chocolate Museum, Wine Museum, and Toy Museum. They are all within easy walking distance.
7. Colmar’s Gothic Gems
In the 13th century, religious orders such as the Franciscans, Dominicans, and Augustinians established themselves in Colmar, building churches in the historic city center. Many of these churches still stand today.
The Dominican Church – Construction began in 1283. The Dominicans were later driven out but returned, and the church was rebuilt in the 19th century after a fire. Its Gothic design and later additions reflect Alsace’s rich history.
Saint Martin Church – Built between 1234 and 1365, this Roman Catholic church combines Gothic and Romanesque styles. Its design is very different from the Dominican Church, offering another glimpse into Colmar’s rich architectural heritage.
8. Colmar’s Historic Houses & Old Customs
The Pfister house – Built in 1537 for Ludwig Scherer, this iconic corner house beautifully combines medieval and Renaissance styles. Its distinctive two-story design has become one of Colmar’s most recognizable landmarks.
Adolph House – Dating back to around 1350, this is one of Colmar’s oldest houses and was once home to the Adolph family.
The Koïfhus (Old Customs) – Completed in 1480, this building played a key role in the transport and receiving of goods throughout Colmar.
💡 Pro Tip – Every Tuesday from mid July to early September at 8pm, just behind the Koïfhus in Place de l’Ancienne Douane there are performances of Alsatian folk, including dancing and music.
La Maison des Têtes (House of Heads) – Built in 1609, this quirky house gets its name from the over 100 twisted or grotesque heads carved into its façade. It’s a must-see in Old Town.
9. Colmar & Alsace Wine Tasting Tour Tips – Sip and Savor
Alsace is famous for its dry wines, especially crisp white varieties grown in the region’s typically dry climate. Colmar sits in the heart of this wine-producing region, and the Alsace Wine Route stretches across 70 villages.
The best way to experience Alsace Wine is on a tour, but tastings are also easy to enjoy at local restaurants and wine bars. Domaine Martin Jund is highly recommended, located in old town, and is perfect for visitors without a car.
10. What Pairs Better with Wine Than Munster Cheese?
La Maison du Fromage is the Munster Valley Cheese Museum, where you can learn all about how Munster cheese is made and, of course, enjoy tastings!
The museum is located about 30 minutes from Colmar city center. Take the train to Gunsbach-Griesbach station, then walk roughly half a mile to the museum.
This is a self guided tour and takes about 90 minutes. Reservations are highly recommended since daily entry numbers are limited. Make a half day of it and enjoy lunch at their on-site restaurant.
11. Best Place for Shopping in Colmar
Located in the heart of Little Venice right on the river Lauch, the Covered Market is the perfect place to shop for high quality local goods and produce. Its riverside location once allowed merchants to deliver goods by boat, and today it’s also a great spot to pick up a Colmar souvenir.
The covered market has a few small restaurants and cafes to grab a quick lunch or coffee. Open Tuesday through Sunday, don’t miss the concert on the first Friday of every month.
🥐Patisserie L’Enfarine is a highly recommended bakery located in the Covered Market! Try some of their delicious pastries and breads.
12. Getting Around Colmar
Colmar’s main tourist areas are easy to explore on foot. The Old Town is about a 15-minute walk from the train station. City buses are also quick and efficient, and renting a bike is a fun way to see the city at your own pace.
Bikes are available for rent at several stations near the train station and throughout Old Town, making it easy to explore the canals and nearby sights on two wheels.
A single bus ticket is valid for one hour and can be purchased at kiosks or directly from the driver.
13. How Much Time Do I Need in Colmar?
Even a few hours in Colmar are worth it to stroll through Old Town and admire the canals framed by half-timbered houses.
In one full day, you can visit a museum and the churches, take a boat ride, shop at the Covered Market, and enjoy local wine and cuisine.
In two days, venture outside the city to explore a winery or visit the Munster Cheese Museum. Or do both!
Everything depends on your desired pace, and which stops top your list!
14. Alsatian Food, Pastries, Coffee and Michelin Star Dining
Like many French cities, Colmar is full of patisseries and cafés. It’s one of my favorite things about France! If you’re looking for a coffee, a flaky pastry, or an elaborate dessert, you’ll have no trouble finding something delicious here.
Much of Colmar’s cuisine reflects a unique blend of French and German influences. A popular treat is the Kugelhopf (Gugelhupf in German), a raisin-studded cake similar to a bundt cake.
For a traditional Alsatian meal, head to a Winstub. Winstubs are bistros that serve hearty, homestyle dishes in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Winstub Brenner is an excellent choice located in the heart of Little Venice. Reservations are recommended especially during peak times and seasons.
Colmar also has many Michelin-starred restaurants. The La Maison des Têtes, or “house of heads” is also now a Michelin-starred restaurant and hotel.
15. Getting There
We arrived in Colmar by train, which is one of the easiest ways to get here. Most trains and buses in France stop in Colmar. By train, it’s about 45 minutes from Basel, 30 minutes from Strasbourg, and 2.5–3 hours from Paris.
Driving to Colmar is straightforward. Most roads around the city are toll-free, and there are plenty of parking options, including free short-term spots. You can also park on the outskirts and use Colmar’s public transport to get around.
The nearest airports are in Strasbourg, France or Basel on the Swiss-French-German border.
16. When is the Best Time to Visit Colmar
There isn’t a bad time to visit Colmar. Pick a time that fits your schedule and what you’d like to experience most. For me, I started with the Christmas market, but next time I’d love to go in spring.
Winter – Winter turns Colmar into a magical wonderland with its famous Christmas markets. Temperatures hover around 30°F, so pack warm gear. It can get crowded on weekends, but the festive atmosphere is worth it.
Summer – Summer is peak tourist season and brings the Colmar Wine Festival and the Colmar Classical Music Festival. Average temperatures hover around 80°F, with occasional hotter days, and you’ll enjoy the longest daylight hours for sightseeing.
Spring – Spring is a wonderful time to visit Colmar, with flowers in bloom and pleasant weather. Easter and Spring markets fill Place des Dominicains and Place de l’Ancienne Douane, and the Spring Festival brings parades, food, and music celebrating Alsatian culture.
Fall – Fall is harvest season in the vineyards, and the city is adorned with beautiful autumn colors. The mild weather and smaller crowds make it a perfect time to explore Colmar and its surroundings.
17. Day Trips from Colmar
Colmar is a great home base for day trips and exploring other areas in Alsace. Cycling between towns is very popular for some and as well as guided tours.
Some popular cities to visit from Colmar are:
Strasbourg – Strasbourg, a larger and more cosmopolitan city, is the most popular day trip from Colmar. Its historic Grande Île is surrounded by canals and features the famous cathedral and the charming Petite France district. We also visited Strasbourg during the Christmas markets and loved it!
Eguisheim – Just 15 minutes by car or taxi, this town is famous for its quaint central castle. If you are visiting during Christmastime, this town has a nice market.
Riquewihr – A medieval town surrounded by a fortification wall, Riquewihr also hosts a lovely Christmas market. The town is best reached by bus, about 30 minutes from Colmar.
Ribeauvillé – With half-timbered houses similar to Colmar, Ribeauvillé has three castles perched above the town. Don’t miss the Butcher’s Tower. This quieter town is slightly off the main tourist path and is reachable by the same bus that goes to Riquewihr.
18. Visit 3 Countries in One Day From Colmar
Experience France, Germany and Switzerland all in one day with a small-group tour from Colmar. You’ll get the comfort of an air conditioned mini-van, a guide, and no more than 8 people in the group. Hotel Pickup is Included.
The stops on this tour include:
- 1st stop – Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. Explore this city’s beautiful old town, shop in small boutiques, and stroll along narrow channels lined with walkways.
- 2nd stop – Basel, Switzerland. Wander through Basel’s medieval Old Town and along the Rhine River. Basel sits at the crossroads of France, Switzerland, and Germany, and you won’t want to miss its unique Town Hall.
- 3rd stop – Eguisheim, Alsace, France. Return to Alsace and discover Eguisheim, a picturesque medieval town. Its half-timbered houses are arranged in concentric circles around the central castle.
Tell all your friends you visited 3 countries in one day!
Where are the Best Places to Stay in Colmar?
Here are a few solid options that balance comfort, convenience, and location. I’ve included three by budget tier, plus an apartment-style choice for added flexibility.
Budget ($) – Ibis Styles Colmar Centre offers modern and comfortable rooms in a former brewery. It includes free WiFi, a bar, and a location right in Colmar’s historic center. You will be within walking distance to many of Colmar’s sights, making it a practical and well-rated choice. Breakfast is included and great for families.
Mid-range ($$) – James Boutique Hôtel Colmar Centre blends style with location. It is a sleek, contemporary boutique hotel that receives consistently high reviews for both comfort and proximity to the Old Town. Great for families.
Luxury ($$$) – L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa Colmar – MGallery Collection stands out. This five-star hotel includes a spa, refined decor, and top-notch service. It is a great option if you want to treat yourself during your trip.
Apartment Style – COLMARAPPART Grand’Rue offers modern, self-catering apartments with full kitchens, including a dishwasher. Its unbeatable location between the Cathedral and Colmar’s main shopping streets makes it ideal for exploring the Old Town.
💡 Tips for Choosing Where to Stay
- Location matters: Try to stay within or very close to the Old Town so you can walk to most sights. These options above all offer that convenience.
- Check amenities: Check amenities that are important to you for your stay. Parking if you have a car, breakfast, spa, airport transfer, or family rooms can make a difference in your stay. Also good to check for air conditioning if traveling in warmer months. Not all hotels in Europe offer it.
- Book early: Especially during summer or Christmas Markets. The better hotels fill up fast and rates can increase the closer you book to your travels
FAQs
Here are answers to a few questions I’m often asked about Colmar.
Is Colmar or Strasbourg Better to Visit?
If you can, do both since they’re so close together. Strasbourg feels larger and more cosmopolitan, with a walkable Old Town. Colmar is smaller, easy to explore, and looks straight out of a fairytale with its half-timbered houses.
If you can only choose one, I’d pick Strasbourg at Christmas and Colmar other times of the year. As the ‘Capital of Christmas,’ Strasbourg truly goes all out. Outside the holiday season, I’d lean toward Colmar. I couldn’t get enough of its postcard-perfect canals and colorful houses.
How many days should you visit Colmar?
One full day is enough to see a lot of Colmar’s sights, especially since everything is within walking distance. If you want to explore nearby towns, take your time with meals, or fit in a canal ride or museum visit, two nights is ideal.
Even a few hours in Colmar are worth it to stroll through Old Town and admire the canals framed by half-timbered houses.
What is the best month to visit Colmar?
The best month to visit Colmar depends on what you’re looking for. December is the most magical with the Christmas markets and festive decorations. Summer is warmer but is also perfect for wine trips along the Alsace Wine Route. May or September offer fewer crowds and beautiful weather for exploring the city and nearby villages.
Final Thoughts
Colmar is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, linger on every corner, and take far more photos than necessary. I certainly did! I’d never seen anything quite like it.
Whether you’re planning a girls’ weekend, a romantic getaway, a wine-tasting trip, or just a peaceful escape, Colmar has a magical charm that makes it feel like stepping into a storybook.
Colmar is a must-see destination that stays with you long after you leave.
I hope you found this Colmar Guide helpful for planning your trip. Drop me an email if you have any questions. TravelandTinsel@gmail.com I love to hear from readers.
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