Colmar is a beautiful little city that looks like it could be a scene straight out of a Disney movie. It’s one of the best places to visit in the Alsace region of France.
The old town is packed with charming details that hint at Colmar’s past. From street names to candy-colored buildings and heart-shaped window decorations, you’ll find subtle clues of what life was like in this medieval town.
The Old Town
The Old Town of Colmar is a picture-perfect district filled with wide shopping streets, quaint half-timbered buildings, canals, and a charming atmosphere. It is also home to some of the city's most iconic attractions, including Mathias Grunewald's 16th-century Issenheim Altarpiece and Martin Schongauer's 'vierge au buisson de roses' in the Dominican Church.
One of the best things to do in Colmar is simply stroll around the streets and admire the stunning architecture. There are plenty of enchanting sights to see, from the dramatic Maison des Tetes to the 16th-century wooden Maison Pfister to the pink sandstone St. Martin Church and Eglise Saint-Matthieu.
Another must-visit attraction is the Quai de la Poissonnerie, or the Fishermen's Quarter. This area runs along the river Lauch and was a vital hub of commerce since the Middle Ages. It is the area where most of the professional fishermen lived and sold fish to the local community, who used the river as their main water source.
The Petite Venise
Colmar is a very beautiful place with lots of attractions and activities to keep you busy. But the best thing about this city is the charm that lies within the old town itself.
When you're here, be sure to take time to walk along the Lauch River and see the sights in the Petite Venise. This district stretches from approximately Parc de la Lauch to St-Pierre Bridge and is known as the "little Venice" because of its picturesque half-timbered buildings.
You'll find a number of cafes and restaurants in the area where you can enjoy a drink while soaking up the atmosphere of the river. This district also has a lovely canal-side market where you can pick up some fresh produce and snacks.
The Fishmonger District
Colmar is a vibrant old town, so it’s best to explore on foot. Its half-timbered houses along the canal and on cozy squares are a great place to sample the famous Alsatian cuisine, which is a blend of French and German flavors.
While you’re here, stop by the Tanners District, where tanners used to live and work in colorful timber-framed buildings. This area is a short walk from the main square, Place de l’Ancienne Douane.
You can also find the Customs House Koifhus here, which dates back to 1480. This was once the place where Colmar would collect taxes from the imports and exports that came into the city.
Another interesting building is the Tribunal Judiciaire (Law Court), located in the center of the city. This impressive structure is a must-see, especially if you’re an architecture buff.
The Bartholdi Museum
One of the most interesting sights in Colmar is the Bartholdi Museum, which is located in the birth house of sculptor Auguste Bartholdi. It houses models and sketches of some of his most famous works, including the Statue of Liberty.
Moreover, visitors can see models and original elements from several monuments that Bartholdi designed in Colmar. These include the Roesselmann fountain, General Rapp, and Fontaine Bruat.
If you have a few days to spend in Colmar, make sure to visit the Bartholdi Museum and other notable attractions like the Hansi Village and Museum. These are not only interesting, but also fun activities for all ages.
Another popular attraction in the city is the Petit Train Touristique, a green miniature train that travels through Colmar every 35 minutes and passes most of the main sights. This is a great way to get an overview of the town in a short time and to avoid getting lost in the streets.
