Discover Colmar, a gem in the underrated Alsace region of France. This fairytale town is full of colorful half-timbered houses and plenty of charm.
Why Visit Colmar, France?
Colmar is a picturesque medieval town in eastern France, near the German border. Wander the cobblestone streets, sip local wine, and feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook–without the crowds of Paris or Nice.
How to Get to Colmar:
🚆 By train: High speed train from Paris (2.5 hours) or Strasbourg (30 minutes)
✈️ By plane: Nearest airports are Basel, Switzerland (1 hour) or Strasbourg Airport (1 hour)
Getting Around Colmar:
🚶 The old town is completely walkable—most attractions are within 15-20 minutes on foot
🚲 Bike rentals available for exploring beyond the center
🚗 No need for a car within Colmar itself, but helpful for visiting nearby villages
Best Time to Visit Colmar:
🌷 Spring (April-June): Mild weather, flowers blooming, fewer tourists
☀️ Summer (July-August): Warmest weather but busiest season
🍁 Fall (September-November): Grape harvest season, beautiful autumn colors, wine festivals
🎄 Winter (December): Famous Christmas markets transform the town into a winter wonderland
Things to Do in Colmar:
-Little Venice (La Petite Venise): The most photographed area of Colmar, featuring colorful houses along the Lauch River. You can also take a boat tour.
-Old Town (Vieille Ville): Wander the medieval streets filled with half-timbered houses, artisan shops, and cozy cafés.
-Bartholdi Museum: Dedicated to Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, who was born in Colmar.
-Covered Market (Marché Couvert): Sample local Alsatian products, cheeses, and wines.
-Unterlinden Museum: Home to the Isenheim Altarpiece and an impressive collection of medieval and Renaissance art.
-Saint-Martin’s Church: A beautiful Gothic church dating back to the 13th century.
-Explore the Alsace Wine Route: Colmar sits in the heart of the Alsace Wine Route, one of France’s most scenic wine regions.
Best Villages Near Colmar:
1️⃣ Eguisheim (7 km): Voted “Favorite Village of the French,” this circular medieval village is surrounded by vineyards and features colorful concentric streets.
2️⃣ Riquewihr (13 km): A beautifully preserved 16th-century walled town that inspired the Beauty and the Beast village.
3️⃣ Kaysersberg (12 km): Featuring a medieval castle, fortified bridge, and excellent wineries.
4️⃣ Ribeauvillé (16 km): Three medieval castles overlook this charming wine town known for its Riesling.
5️⃣ Turckheim (6 km): A fortified town with intact medieval walls and a nightly watchman tour in summer.
Practical Tips for Visiting Colmar:
🛏️ Accommodation: Book well in advance for summer and Christmas market season (late November-December). Consider staying in the old town for the best location.
📷 Day Trip or Overnight?: While Colmar can be seen in a day trip from Strasbourg, staying 2-3 nights allows you to explore at a slower pace and visit surrounding villages.
🕝 Sunday Hours: Many shops close on Sundays; some restaurants and cafés remain open.
🚗 Parking: Limited in the old town. Use designated parking lots on the periphery (Parking de la Montagne Verte, Parking Scheurer-Kestner).
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