Colmar is one of the most picturesque towns in France. In the heart of Alsace, its old town is a maze of half-timbered houses painted in bright colours, canals and flower-filled balconies. It is also the “capital of Alsace wines” and the perfect base for the Alsace Wine Route.
Why visit Colmar
Colmar combines fairytale architecture, an outstanding museum and great food and wine. In winter, its Christmas markets are among the most beautiful in Europe.
Top things to do in Colmar
Little Venice
The Petite Venise district, along the River Lauch, is Colmar’s most famous view: colourful houses reflected in the water. Take a small boat trip on the canal.
The old town
Stroll past the Maison Pfister, with its painted façade and wooden gallery, the Maison des Têtes, decorated with more than 100 sculpted heads, the old customs house (Koïfhus) and the Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin.
The Unterlinden Museum
Housed in a former convent, the Musée Unterlinden is home to the Isenheim Altarpiece, a masterpiece of the early 16th century.
The Bartholdi Museum
Colmar is the birthplace of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty. His house is now a museum.
The Alsace Wine Route
Nearby villages such as Eguisheim, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg and Turckheim make easy half-day trips among the vineyards.
Best time to visit Colmar
May to October is ideal for walks and the wine route; the harvest takes place in autumn. From late November to December, the Christmas markets transform the town – book well in advance.
Getting to and around Colmar
Colmar station has TGV and regional trains; Strasbourg is about 30 minutes away by train. The nearest airports are EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse and Strasbourg. The old town is compact and best explored on foot.
What to eat and drink in Colmar
Choucroute, flammekueche, baeckeoffe, kougelhopf, Munster cheese and Alsace white wines such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris.
Colmar travel tips
- Visit Little Venice early in the morning or in the evening for fewer crowds.
- Rent a bike or car to explore the wine villages.
- Book hotels months ahead for the Christmas market season.
Colmar FAQ
How many days do you need in Colmar?
One or two days for the town, plus a day on the Wine Route.
Is Colmar better than Strasbourg?
They are different: Colmar is smaller and more intimate, Strasbourg is a larger city. Both are easy to combine.
