Don’t visit Colmar, France unless…
you love wandering
circuitous cobblestone streets
lined with ancient medieval buildings,
and rainbow coloured half-timbered houses
that cause you to gaze in wonder,
waiting for a fairytale character to emerge.
Don’t visit Colmar, France unless…
you savour
inhaling
the perfume
of
brilliant red geraniums
that adorn houses
honouring
a 300 year
old tradition.
Don’t visit Colmar, France unless…
you cherish
a sense of childhood wonder
where both square turrets
and
round ones
hold
age-old secrets,
ancient tales
and the beginning of
new stories
waiting to unfold.
Don’t visit Colmar, France unless…
you treasure gazing
at life’s reflections
mirrored magically
in La Petite Venise
as it lazily flows onward.
Don’t visit Colmar, France unless…
you relish grocery stores
harbouring countless champagne bottles
filled with local sparkling gold
and row upon row
of crystal clear fruit brandy
demanding to be
sampled and savoured.
Don’t visit Colmar, France unless…
you are a romantic at heart,
stirred by street music
that fills the air
with its mystic charm.
Don’t visit Colmar, France unless…
you appreciate ambling
through antique archways
and a 13th Century convent turned museum
which displays
the renowned and
striking Issenheim Altarpiece.
You’ve been warned.
Don’t visit Colmar, France unless…
you realize that this delightful town
is just a tease
beckoning you to return
and further explore the region, Alsace-Lorraine.
Combine a trip to Colmar with this region of Germany.
More Travel Info…
7 Things To Do In Colmar France:
Wondering what things to do in Colmar France? It’s a small, laid back town with plenty of history. Kick back and partake in the following things to do in Colmar France at a leisurely pace.
Wander the Historic Centre of Colmar France: Stroll alongside La Petite Venise (Little Venice). It’s the picturesque canal that winds its way through town creating many photo opportunities. Don’t miss rue des Tanneurs, where the tanners lived and Quai de la Poisonnerie where the fishermen lived.
Flat Bottomed Boat Tour: Take a leisurely (and very popular) cruise along La Petite Venise and visit Colmar from a completely different perspective.
Look for Medieval Buildings: Make sure when you visit Colmar to notice the colourful façades, the shapely turrets and to find unique locations such as La Maison des Tétes, the Pfister House and the Old Customs House.
Eat Alsation food: Colmar Alsace is so close to the German border that there is a distinct German influence in the culinary creations like nowhere else in France. Besides sauerkraut and sausage, how about trying a pretzel and the Alsatian casserole called Baeckoeffe? Baeckoeffe is a meat casserole with vegetables that simmers for a long time in local white wine!
Visit Colmar’s covered market which has existed since 1865.
Visit Colmar’s Museums such as:
Unterlinden Museum: The museum’s collection is housed in a 13-century convent. The setting and the artefacts make this a worthwhile stop, with the Issenheim Altarpiece a highlight. Its size and panels that open revealing layers of paintings and religious stories are captivating.
Entrance: €13 ($18.25 Canadian) including an audio guide
Closed: Tuesdays
Bartholdi Museum: The famous sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, who created the Statue of Liberty, hails from Colmar. The museum is in the house where he was born.
Rent a Bike in Colmar Alsace and ride along the Lauch River or all the way to the neighbouring town of Eguisheim.
Best Time To Visit Colmar Alsace:
Colmar Alsace is a very popular tourist destination, meaning it can be very crowded in peak season. I visited in September and it was still very busy. The Christmas markets draw many crowds as does the springtime when all the blooms start to appear. Colmar Alsace is also popular in October when the wine festivals are happening.
So prepare for a crowded lovely town or plan to visit Colmar in the winter months when it is much quieter.
Getting to Colmar Alsace:
By Train: Colmar is easily accessed by train. There are direct high-speed trains to Paris. I arrived from Germany with a switch in Strasbourg. Trains in Europe are cheaper, the further in advance you book them. Investigate train times and schedules with SCNF and trainline.
By Bus: Ouibus runs between Paris and Colmar. I took the Ouibus from Strasbourg to Paris. It was comfortable and very affordable.
Resources:
Heading to Colmar Alsace? Book your room now.
But where do I recommend? This hotel is where I stayed. The location was amazing.
Is there a guidebook I recommend? Two, in fact! This one. And this one too!
What else have I written about France? Check out these posts.
Looking for a unique tour of Colmar France? Check these out.
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