One day in Enchanting Colmar -Exploring the Charm of this Alsatian Gem
- Amy
- Jul 2, 2023
- 13 min read
Updated: May 12, 2024
I am going to chronicale my fairy tale journey through Colmar today. Surely life is a paradise ain’t it? I travelled to Strasbourg last year and concluded that there can be no place in France prettier than Strasbourg. However, considering places like Colmar in France exist, life has many surprises for travel enthusiasts like me.
With all certainty, it is the prettiest town in France (Now I say that again, until another curve ball hits me, but nonetheless let's settle with that conclusion). Never have I ever felt the itch to click a zillion photos of 'buildings' in any city. Yes you are right, Buildings. Colmar hits different. Every building in this gorgeous town brings unique character and charm. And you will know soon, just as I got to know in exploring the charm of this Alsatian gem Colmar.
Here’s a rundown to exploring the charm of Colmar.
If you notice in the map below, most of Colmar's best attractions are located in and around the Old Town (Vieille Ville).
Things to do in Two Days in Colmar
Things to do in One Day in Colmar
Colmar is a charming town situated in the Alsace region of northeastern France. It is famous for its half-timbered houses, Little Venice (resemblance to Italy's famed canals in Venice), delicious Alsatian cuisine, and being the birthplace of the famous sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, who created the Statue of Liberty.
We were put up in Hotel Mercure Bâle/Mulhouse Aéroport which is at a 45 minutes drive from Colmar. We started our day late spending the entire morning splurging in our hotel swimming pool and utilizing the massage services. Due to that, we were late to reach Colmar, we made there only by 1:30 pm. We were ravenous so headed straight to the covered Market.
Colmar's Covered Market (Marché Couvert)
From the car parking at Parking de la Montagne Verte, the Markthalle or Covered Market of Colmar is just a 5 minutes walk. When you reach Légumez-Moi, the covered market of Colmar, you are actually already in the heart of the city because this booming and buzzing market is located in the heart of the city. From the exterior, you won't even realize that this beautiful historic building is actually a local market. With huge red painted window sills, this distinctively designed market presents its customers with a plethora of fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisanal products.
In one section, there were vendors selling fruits and vegetables, all sourced from local farmers. Another section housed vendors selling meats, wines, cheeses, and baked goods, producers. The market also includes stalls selling flowers, spices, and other specialty items. The atmosphere was very lively and everyone I spoke to suggested to try the Quiche here. And that was our expectation as well. To have a light lunch and head out to explore the other wonders of this wonderland.
But alas, the market hall was so packed, literally every table was occupied and there was no eatery that would give a take away. So we ended up just wandering further into town to get a seat at a restaurant and to our relief we found a seat at an amazing flambees restaurant next to the boating junction of Colmar.
Opening times:
Tuesday to Saturday. The market opens early in the morning, around 7:30 or 8:00 am, and remains open until mid-afternoon, around 1:00 or 2:00 pm.
The Fishmonger District (Quartier des Poissonniers)
From the Covered Market, if you keep walking along the Rue des Écoles street you will arrive at The Fishmonger District (Quartier des Poissonniers) in less than a minute. This busy neighbourhood is located near the Marché Couvert (covered market) and the Quai de la Poissonnerie (Quay of the Fishmongers). Seeing how busy the place was, the first thought that came to my mind was 'What a fish market!'. Little did I know that this neighbourhood had its historical connection to the fish trade, with fishmongers and seafood stalls traditionally functioning in the area. The Fishmonger District comes alive particularly on market days when visitors can find a diverse fresh seafood and other local produce.
La Petite Venise (Little Venice or Petite Venice)
A little ahead, you'll be greeted by charming footbridges that offer scenic views of the traditional Alsatian houses reflected in the calm waters below. This photographer's paradise has the moniker Little Venice of Colmar, because of its supposed resemblance to Venice's canals and waterways. However, to me Venice has its own distinctive offering of the iconic flat-bottomed gondolas navigating through its romantic canals, seldom assisted with singing gondoliers. Nevertheless, Colmar's little Venice too offers endless opportunities to capture the beauty that reflects the town's unique and beguiling atmosphere.
When you stroll by the canals or take a boat ride, you will notice the beautifully preserved historical buildings and the vibrant flower boxes that adorn the windowsills of these buildings. A humble request to you to admire the intricate woodwork of these buildings that go back to the 16th or 17th century, the colourful facades, and unique architectural details that have stood the test of time.
While we walked through the picturesque town to our restaurant, we couldn’t help but notice the surging crowd of people lined up outside every restaurant, cafe, crepe corner. The atmosphere was insane!
Tanners' Quarter (Le quartier des Tanneurs)
After a sumptuous lunch of Tarte flambée and Quiche, make your way to the Tanners’ Quarter. The Tanner's District (Le quartier des Tanneurs) is another distinct neighborhood in Colmar. Here I was awe-struck with the number of half-timbered houses lined up back to back in those petite cobblestone streets. Many of its half-timbered houses date as far back as the 14th century. These houses exhibit the traditional architectural style of the region, with their wooden frames filled with brick or plaster.
But why is it called Tanner's Quarter?
Tanners are basically artisans who work with leather and transform them into sellable goods. The Tanner's District earned its name from the tanners who once occupied the area. Today, it stands as a testament to the craftsmanship and traditional trades that shaped Colmar's past.
Shop : You can find a selection of leather goods, including handbags, gloves, and accessories, in some of the boutique shops along Rue des Têtes.
Strolling through the Tanner's District felt like stepping back in time. The pastel shaded houses, along with their overflowing window boxes, colourful flower decor, and styled with arty collectibles, try to compete to be better than the other, exuding an enchanting allure. As you wander the narrow streets, you'll be impulsed to enter one of the many quaint shops, artisanal boutiques, souvenir shops and delightful cafés that invite you to indulge in local delicacies and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.
Old Customs House (Koïfhus) You keep walking on Pt Rue des Tannuers and you'll reach the fountain Schwendi on Place de l’Ancienne Douane. Right opposite the fountain, you will find the Old Customs House (Koïfhus), dating back to 1480. The Old Customs House, also known as Koïfhus, in Colmar is a historic building and administrative center. The building itself is not typically open for public exploration, but it houses various administrative offices.
On the other side of the fountain lies the Restaurant Au Koïfhus. It is a wood panelled fine dining restaurant that offers traditional Alsatian cuisine with dishes such as Baeckeoffe, Choucroute colmarienne and specially gluten free food on request. This restaurant and many others are situated in the surrounding areas of the Old Customs House. It is a bustling part of Colmar's old town and worth exploring. The attractive architecture and charming atmosphere of the area make it a popular spot for visitors to stroll and soak in the ambiance.
Pfister House
Head onto the street Rue des Marchands and across the town’s main street Grand Rue, you will find the Pfister House. This building has been well-preserved from the Renaissance period and you will notice that it is adorned with intricate wood carvings.
While you may not be able to enter the Pfister House, you can still appreciate its exterior facade and architectural details from the outside.
Saint-Martin Church
Europe and it's churches are a class apart ! No European city or town is complete without its church and the same goes for even Colmar. This Gothic church boasts beautiful stained glass windows and a tranquil atmosphere. It was so breathtakingly wide that I couldn't capture an image of the complete church so I decided to instead capture the entirety in a video.
So if you continue on Rue des Marchands, you will soon reach Pl. de la Cathédrale, where this stunning church is located. It dates back to the 13th century and boasts intricate details and soaring spires that captivate visitors.
I salute the craftsmen of the time who executed this marvel of a structure. The exterior of Saint-Martin Church showcases a stunning amalgamation of pink sandstone and intricate stone carvings, and the interior features embellished stained glass windows, soaring vaulted ceilings, and beautifully sculpted wooden accents.
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
The House of Heads (Maison des Têtes)
A 5 minute walk from the Saint Martin's Church and you will awed by this privately owned property called Maison des Têtes. Called the House of Heads in English, this historic building dates back to 17th century and is located at number 19, Rue des Têtes. Its name is House of Heads because of the 106 sculpted heads on its ornate facade. Please note that it is not a public museum or attraction. It is a beautiful 5 star French hotel.
Website: www.la-maison-des-tetes.com
Parc du Champ de Mars
Located near the center of Colmar, Parc du Champ de Mars is a capacious park with well-maintained cycle and walking pathways, green relaxing spaces, and gardens. It's an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature.
An alluring sight within the park is Martin Schongauer’s masterpiece, Madonna of the Rose Bush (1473). The sculpture illustrates Virgin Mary standing in a rose bush.
Explore the Flea Markets
From all my travels, the best things that I've probably brought back home, and that have a story to tell are from the various flea markets around the world. I just love rummaging through the piles of stuff that everyone just seems to ignore and walk by. And trust me, every European city has a flea market. All you have to do is to find out and when and where do these flea markets set shop.
Colmar offers several flea markets where you can unearth one-of-a-kind treasures, antiques, vintage items, and various second-hand goods. Colmar has the below notable flea markets:
Marché aux Puces de Colmar: This is the main flea market in Colmar. It is held on the first Sunday of every month at Parc des Expositions (Exhibition Park) located at Avenue de la Foire aux Vins.
Brocante de l'Hôtel de Ville: This flea market takes place near the Colmar City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) square. It usually occurs a few times a year, and the dates may vary. I went to this market and got lucky with a vintage ceramic fruit bowl and a set of copper cooking pans.
Things to do in Two days in Colmar
Including the various points of interest in my one-day itinerary above, you may also include the guided tours of the renowned museums in Colmar. Two of the most prominent ones have been listed below for your reference.
Unterlinden Museum
For art lovers and connoisseurs, Unterlinden Museum is the place to be. As you know by now, Colmar is rich in history and culture and thus it is home to numerous museums, including the Unterlinden Museum, . which is housed in a former 13th-century Dominican convent. It is the abode of the famous Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald. This museum showcases an impressive collection of art.
Opening times:
Monday closed
Tue to Sun - 9 am to 6 pm
Bartholdi Museum
Have you heard of the great artist Auguste Bartholdi? Worry not, if you haven't. Auguste Bartholdi was a renowned French sculptor born on August 2, 1834, in Colmar, France. He is most famous for creating the Statue of Liberty, which was a gift from France to the United States.
Now knowing this information, please pay tribute to Colmar’s most celebrated resident at the Bartholdi Museum. Devoted to the life and work of Auguste Bartholdi, this museum offers a enthralling insight into the artist's career and his connection to Colmar. The image below was captured when I was standing in front of the museum on the street Rue des Marchands. Like you see it has three floors and all 3 are home to Bartholdi’s works. The show stoppers are the original models for the Statue of Liberty and the Lion of Belfort, his great monument in France. Its worth a visit if you have time in hand.
Opening times:
Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Monday: Closed
Things to do with Children
Boat ride at Little Venice
Ok, for one the boat at Little Venice is no match to the gorgeous gondolas of actual Venice. However, the boat ride takes you through the canals of Colmar, giving you great views of the city. Buy your boat ticket from La Krutenau restaurant, where Rue Turenne meets Quai de la Poissonnerie. The embarkation point is adjacent to the restaurant.
Opening times:
Spring and Summer Season (April to September): Daily from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM or later, with rides typically running every 15 to 30 minutes.
Fall and Winter Season (October to March): The boat rides may have reduced hours or be closed during the colder months, especially during weekdays. It is advisable to check availability and timings in advance.
Note: If you plan to take the boat ride, I’d recommend you book it in advance. When we visited, a long queue gathered outside the boat rental center, a waiting time of minimum 1 hour minimum.
Petit Train touristique à Colmar (Tourist train)
An interesting way of seeing the city's gems is a ride on the white tourist train in Colmar. The tourist train takes you around the city highlighting the hidden gems of the city and gives a good audio tour explaining the history and story behind every attraction through the journey. The guide provides you with headphones which provides guided audio in 10 different languages.
The ride is priced at €6 per adult and is 35-40 mins long.
Toy Museum (Musée du Jouet)
It showcases a collection of toys from different eras, providing a delightful and nostalgic experience for both children and adults. The exhibits include dolls, teddy bears, model trains, cars, and various other playthings that span several decades. If you're interested in exploring the history of toys or reliving cherished childhood memories, the Toy Museum in Colmar is a must-visit destination.
Address: Musée du Jouet de Colmar, 40 Rue Vauban, 68000 Colmar, France
Opening times:
Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Monday: Closed
Choco-Story Museum
The Choco-Story museum is all about chocolate, and thus a great place to be for children and adults alike!
The museum highlights the history of chocolate and how cocoa is transformed into delicious chocolate treats. It also showcases vintage advertisements, antique chocolate-making tools and interactive displays. The museum exhibits also shed light on the ethical concerns about cocoa exploitation.
Exciting things to look forward to:
While you tour the museum, you may also sample some chocolates
They conduct various workshops to make your own chocolate.
They have demonstrations of making chocolate by expert chocolatiers where you can learn the art of making chocolate and the techniques and craftsmanship involved.
They also offer hot chocolate but for an extra fee.
At the end there is a shop where you can buy a variety of chocolates.
If you have even a little extra time in Colmar, this is a very enjoyable experience for visitors and hence I recommend it.
Note: All the written information in the museum is in English. They offers tours in multiple languages, including English. The museum staff are multilingual so language is not a problem here.
Address: Choco-Story Museum, 1 Rue de l'Ange, 68000 Colmar France
Opening times: Sun - Sat - 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Le Musee d'Histoire Naturelle et d'Ethnographie (Museum of Natural History and Ethnography)
As the name suggests, the museum exhibits natural history and ethnographic collections. The exhibits include fossils, minerals, taxidermy collections and other artefacts from the history and culture of various civilisations around the world.
Address: 11 Rue Turenne, 68000 Colmar, France
Opening times:
Mon to Fri - 9 am to 12 pm, 2 pm to 5 pm
Sat and Sun - 10 am to 12 pm, 2 pm to 6 pm
Terrain de jeu - Square de la Montagne Verte
Time for some play and recreation? Then head to the Square de la Montagne Verte playground. It is a well-equipped play area in the green surroundings for children of all ages. Kiu enjoyed climbing and hanging while Arya loved the swings and slides.
Ice cream from Edelw'ice
I cannot even begin to explain the excitement levels of my kids upon the mention of ice cream. And what better than Edelw'ice ice creams in Colmar.
Things to do in Winter in Colmar
Christmas Markets
Colmar is famous for its enchanting Christmas markets, which attract visitors from all over the world. The location of one of Colmar’s famous Christmas markets is Place de l’Ancienne Douane. The markets offer a magical atmosphere with beautifully decorated stalls, festive lights, and traditional crafts, making it a perfect destination for the holiday season.
Flea Market - Marché aux Puces de Noël
During the Christmas season, Colmar hosts a festive flea market Marché aux Puces de Noël, where you can buy vintage Christmas decorations, crafts, and other holiday-themed items. This market is part of Colmar's renowned Christmas market festivities and is located in the old town area.
Foods to Try out
Alsatian Cuisine and Wine
Colmar is located in the Alsace region, known for its delicious Alsatian cuisine and excellent wines.
More on this in my blog post "French Foods to Try in the enchanting Alsatian gem Colmar".
Where to Stay
You may choose to stay in the lovely environs of Little Venice and the old historic centre of Colmar, however you will have to keep in mind the steep prices of accommodation here if you'd like to enjoy all add-on facilities. Having said that, you can also avail budget hotels in the city centre, provided you remove all the frills.
You may also choose to stay in one of charming villages along the wine route like Eguisheim or Riquewihr.
Or in Colmar's quieter surrounding areas such as Quartier Saint-Joseph or Quartier Saint-Léon, you may also find airbnbs or hotels.
Or lastly, just like me, you can choose to stay further away at a distance of 30 to 45 mins closer to larger cities like Basel.
Hotels that offer good value for money in Colmar:
Hotel Roi Soleil Colmar - Located at a short drive from the city center
Hotel Kyriad Colmar Centre-Parc des Expositions - Located within walking distance of the historic center of Colmar
Hotel Turenne - Located in the heart of Colmar's Old Town
Mid-Range hotels:
Hôtel Le Colombier Suites - Located in old town, the hotel features a courtyard garden, a spa area with a sauna and hammam, and a gourmet breakfast.
Hôtel Le Maréchal - Located on the banks of the Lauch River in Colmar's Little Venice district, the hotel offers buffet breakfast, a tranquil garden courtyard, and one can indulge in Alsatian cuisine
Luxury hotels:
La Maison des Têtes - details mentioned in my blog above
Hotel Quatorze Luxury Rooms
Hotel Le Chambard - Offers Michelin-starred restaurants
So are you excited enough to plan your next trip to this Alsatian beauty? Let me know in the comments below. You bet, Colmar's combination of architectural beauty, cultural heritage, culinary delights, and unique attractions make it a truly special and unforgettable destination!
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Happy Reading :)
wow, wonderful write up. loved every bit of reading.