A Complete Guide to Colmar, France

Colmar in France looks like a paradise; it is packed with gingerbread houses and fairytale-like attractions. Situated away in the Alsace region, this small city is home to many cobblestone streets, Pinteresty buildings, and attractive canals that give it the title “Little Venice.” It is kind of a city that gives you vibes like Belle from Beauty and the Beast might walk past you any second with a basket of flowers in hand. Colmar is filled with history and beautiful spots, enough to fill your camera memory.

Whether you are a traveler seeking museums, yummy cuisine, or cute cafes, Colmar should be your go-to spot. In this complete guide, we will talk about everything you need to know about this beautiful city and what not to miss here. Let's get started!

Colmar was first introduced in historical records of the world in the year 823 during the rule of the Carolingian Empire. Later, in 1226, the city officially became a free imperial city. However, during the early 17th century, Colmar was again captured by France under the command of King Louis XIV through the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648. From the late 18th century to the early 19th century, Colmar was ruled by the German Empire after the Franco-Prussian War. It was returned to France during World War 1 after the Treaty of Versailles was signed. After World War II, Nazi Germany again regained control of Colmar in 1940. It was the last French city to be liberated in February 1945 after the Battle of the Colmar Pocket. Colmar is home to many old and neo-classical structures, including the Dominican Church of the 13th century. It was also the birthplace of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. Now, who is he? He was the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty!

Colmar is a lovely city in France and a hidden gem that not many people know about. Colmar is home to many lovely attractions. Some of the best things to do in Colmar are listed below:

The Old Town in Colmar is famous for its well-preserved old neoclassical framework. As you visit the site, you may see half-timbered houses that were constructed back in the 14th and 15th centuries (yes, they are that old). One of the most well-known landmarks here is the Maison Pfister, which was constructed back in 1537. You can also visit Koïfhus, or Old Customs House, that were established in 1480 and served as a trade center back then. For good photos, explore the Rue des Marchands, the main street which is lined with old homes and historic shops. Saint Martin’s Church, built between 1235 and 1365, stands in the town’s center. The region is quite stroller-friendly and has many stone streets.

The Lauch River flows through the Little Venice region of Colmar and offers interesting boat rides from spring to autumn. Typically, from March to October, you can ride on flat-bottomed boats that float on this river. The boats have a maximum capacity of 8 to 10 people, and the ride usually takes half an hour and is guided by a native boatman. The boat passes under the stone bridges and along with the beautiful houses built in the 17th and 18th centuries. The river is shallow, averaging 60 to 80 centimeters. You can buy the tickets for the boat ride from near the Rue de la Poissonnerie dock.

The Alsace Wine Route extends over 170 kilometers from Marlenheim to Thann, and Colmar is located at the heart of this wine route, making this spot a must-visit. The area is famous for white wines like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris; not only this, but the route also passes through more than 70 wine-producing villages, offering great experiences. Many wineries on this route provide tastings and tours, including family-run estates. The vineyards are planted on hillsides between 200 and 400 meters above sea level. You can even visit the interesting wine festivals that are held throughout the year, especially during harvest season in September.

Colmar is home to many historical wonders and attractions that are a must-visit for history lovers. These museums listed below are some of the best places to visit in Colmar, as they narrate the history of the city by displaying old artifacts and items.

Unterlinden Museum

The Unterlinden Museum is situated in a former Dominican convent dating back to the 13th century and is home to the famous Isenheim Altarpiece, painted by Matthias Grünewald between 1512 and 1516. Established in 1853, the museum stands out among fine arts museums in France. Its collection spans from old to contemporary art, including Romanesque models and neo-classical paintings. Visitors can also explore an underground gallery that connects the historic convent to a modern extension designed by Herzog & de Meuron. Additionally, the museum showcases Alsatian folk art and various historic art pieces.

Musée du Jouet

If you are visiting Colmar with your little ones, this spot is a must-visit! The Musée du Jouet, or Toy Museum, was open to the public back in 1993 in an old cinema building. It features more than 1000 toys that are from the 19th century. The collection houses dolls, board games, trains, and video games. There is even a model railway present that runs from the second floor with several miniature trains. The museum has toys from France, Germany, and Japan, and hosts many exhibits that are kid-friendly. Your little ones can enjoy a play area with many building sets, too. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions on toy history.

Musée Bartholdi

The Musée Bartholdi is a museum built as a tribute to Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, born in Colmar in 1834. He originally designed the Statue of Liberty, which was completed in 1886 and gifted to the United States by France. The museum is located in his family home at 30 Rue des Marchands and was open to the public back in 1922, displaying original models, drawings, and sculptures by him. One room is dedicated to his work on public monuments in France, and it’s a must-visit. The museum also includes a courtyard with a replica of the Statue of Liberty’s foot.

Colmar is famous for its cuisine too; it is home to many eateries that serve good food with an awesome ambiance. Some of the best eateries in Colmar are listed below:

Wistub Brenner is situated close to Little Venice in Colmar, and it specializes in serving authentic Alsatian cuisine such as choucroute garnie and tarte flambée. The eatery is housed in a timber-framed building constructed in the 17th century. It also serves regional wines, including Gewürztraminer and Riesling. The menu here features food items like baeckeoffe, a meat and potato stew. The dining room is adorned with impressive Alsatian folk art and wood furniture. It is open daily except on Wednesdays, and reservations are highly recommended.

Le Schwendi is situated in central Colmar and serves regional authentic dishes such as Munster cheese tart, spaetzle, and sauerkraut platters. The eatery features incredible interiors decorated with Alsatian ceramics and has an outdoor terrace offering views of old buildings and canals. Le Schwendi also offers local wines from nearby Eguisheim and Turckheim and is open daily for lunch and dinner. The restaurant is named after Lazarus von Schwendi, a 16th-century Alsatian general.

Brasserie des Tanneurs is located in the heart of Colmar’s Old Town. The building it occupies dates back to the 17th century and was once used by leather tanners. It serves authentic French and Alsatian dishes, including coq au Riesling and tarte flambée. The brasserie features both a fixed-price menu and à la carte options, along with local wines and beers from the Alsace region. The interior showcases simple Alsatian motifs. It is open every day except Mondays. The terrace seating provides lovely views of historic half-timbered houses, and the staff speaks French, English, and German—making it easier for tourists to communicate.

Colmar does not have a metro or tram system but relies on a local bus network called TRACE. These buses serve the city and nearby towns with numerous stops around Colmar. The main train station, Gare de Colmar, is about a 15-minute walk from the city center. From there, travelers can reach cities like Strasbourg, Mulhouse, and Basel, and even take Fast TGV trains to Paris in just over two hours. Taxis are easier to find near the train station and other busy areas. Bicycles are available for rent from shops and at the train station. The Old Town is pedestrian-friendly and restricts car access. Large parking areas such as Parking Lacarre and Parking Montagne Verte are located just outside the center. The nearest airport is EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, about 60 kilometers away. From the airport, travelers can reach Colmar by shuttle or train.

Colmar is home to many fun activities and good locations. From history to views, this city has everything. Some of the best Colmar attractions are listed below:

Little Venice is a beautiful district in Colmar located along the Lauch River, and it is home to half-timbered houses from the 16th to 18th centuries painted in bright colors. It was originally home to market gardeners and fishmongers who transported goods by boat; the title “Little Venice” comes from the network of canals in the area. The Quai de la Poissonnerie is one of the main streets in the district, and you can ride on those flat-bottomed boats that still operate for tourists during the warmer months. The buildings here follow traditional Alsatian architecture with wooden beams and flower boxes. Little Venice is located south of Colmar’s Old Town and is easily accessible on foot.

One of the best places to see in Colmar is Saint Martin Church! It is located in the heart of Colmar at Place de la Cathédrale, and it was built between 1235 and 1365 in an impressive Gothic style. The church is about 78 meters high at its tallest point, and its roof is covered in colorful glazed tiles, which are very common in Alsace architecture. The interior has 14th-century stained glass windows, and the church is usually mistaken for a cathedral due to its size and style. It was declared a historical monument in 1840. The church is still used for religious services and is open to visitors daily, so do visit it if you are exploring Colmar.

Located in Colmar’s Old Town, the Pfister House was built in 1537 for Ludwig Scherer, a wealthy hat merchant. It stands as one of the earliest examples of neoclassical architecture in the city, blending stone and timber with remarkable craftsmanship. The building features wooden galleries, a distinctive corner turret, and murals depicting biblical scenes. Intricate carvings adorn its exterior, showcasing the artistic detail of the period. The house gets its name from the Pfister family, who owned it in the 19th century. Although the interior is not open to the public, the Pfister House remains one of Colmar’s most photographed landmarks and a must-see for visitors exploring the Old Town.

Some top hotels to stay in Colmar are:

8.4 Very good

Hôtel Le Manoir

11 Rue Saint Marc Eichhoffen, fr

5.6 Fabulous

Terrasses d'Alsace

5 Rue Des Lièvres Rosheim, fr

8.1 Very good

A la Maison Rouge Hôtel & Restaurant

1 Av. Du Dr Marcel Krieg Gertwiller, fr