Best Time to Visit
April to June and late November to December (Christmas markets run late Nov–Dec 30)
Language
French, Alsatian dialect (German influence); English spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1), CEST (UTC+2) in summer
Airport
EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL/MLH), 65 km south; Strasbourg (SXB), 75 km north
Population
70,000 (city proper)
Climate
Semi-continental, warm summers (18-26°C), cold winters (-1 to 5°C), one of the driest cities in France
Safety Rating
Very Safe (Level 1)
Wine Region
Heart of the Alsace Wine Route — 170 km of vineyards producing Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris
Colmar's most photographed quarter where half-timbered houses in pastel shades line the Lauch River. Free to explore on foot; flat-bottomed boat rides cost ~€7 per adult and last 30 minutes. Best light for photos in the early morning.
Houses the famous Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald (1512-1516) alongside medieval and modern art. Entry €13, open Wed-Mon 9AM-6PM, allow 2 hours. The Herzog & de Meuron extension is stunning.
A 1609 Renaissance merchant house covered in 106 sculpted grotesque heads and faces. Now a hotel-restaurant, the ornate facade on Rue des Têtes is free to admire. Look for the cooper statue by Bartholdi on the gable.
Six themed markets across the old town from late November to December 30, including a children's market in Petite Venise. Free entry. Try bredele cookies, vin chaud (€4-5), and flammekueche. Arrive by 5PM for the best light displays.
The 170-km Route des Vins d'Alsace starts just south of Colmar, passing through Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg. Rent a bike (€15/day) or drive. Most domaines offer free tastings — try the Grands Crus Rieslings.
A 13th-century Gothic church with a distinctive copper-covered roof and beautiful stained glass. Free entry, open daily 8AM-6PM. Climb the south tower for rooftop views (check seasonal opening). Allow 30-45 minutes.
A concentric medieval village 7 km from Colmar, voted France's favorite village. Wander the circular lanes lined with flowering window boxes and stop at caves for Crémant d'Alsace. Free to walk, bus #208 from Colmar (~15 min).
Arrive via TGV at Colmar station (2h50 from Paris Gare de l'Est). Your hotel in the old town is a 10-minute walk. Drop bags and head straight for the canals before the light fades.
Train arrival and walk to old town hotel(30 minutes)
Colmar station is compact — follow signs to Centre Ville. Most old town hotels are within 10 minutes on foot, no taxi needed
Evening stroll through Petite Venise(1.5 hours)
Walk along the Lauch River past the pastel half-timbered houses. The Quai de la Poissonnerie (Fishmonger's Quay) is the most photogenic stretch. Golden hour light on the facades is stunning
Dinner at Winstub La Schwendi(1.5 hours)
Traditional Alsatian winstub on Place de l'Ancienne Douane. Try the choucroute garnie (€16) or baeckeoffe (€18) paired with a glass of local Riesling. Reservations recommended in high season
A full day exploring Colmar's historic center on foot. The entire old town is walkable in a compact loop, so you'll cover the major sights without rushing.
Unterlinden Museum(2 hours)
Open at 9AM — arrive early to see the Isenheim Altarpiece (1512-1516) by Matthias Grünewald without crowds. Entry €13. The Herzog & de Meuron modern extension is architecturally impressive. Audio guide worthwhile
Coffee at Salon de Thé Gilg(30 minutes)
On Rue des Têtes, this patisserie serves excellent kougelhopf (Alsatian brioche) with coffee for €6
Maison des Têtes and Rue des Têtes(30 minutes)
Admire the 1609 Renaissance facade covered in 106 sculpted grotesque heads. Look for the Bartholdi cooper statue on the gable. Free to photograph from the street
Lunch at a winstub near Place de la Cathédrale(1 hour)
Try Winstub Brenner for a plat du jour — expect tarte flambée gratinée (€12) or a generous salad with Munster cheese (€14). Lunch menus are the best deal
Eglise Saint-Martin and Tanners' Quarter(1.5 hours)
Visit the 13th-century Gothic church (free entry, open 8AM-6PM) then walk through the Quartier des Tanneurs — the narrow half-timbered houses with open lofts were used to dry animal hides
Flat-bottomed boat ride in Petite Venise(30 minutes)
Board at the Lauch River dock near Rue de Turenne. ~€7 per adult. The boatman narrates in French and English. A different perspective on the canal houses
Day trip along the Alsace Wine Route south of Colmar. Eguisheim is the jewel, but the vineyard paths between villages make the journey as rewarding as the destination.
Bus #208 to Eguisheim(20 minutes)
Departs from Colmar bus station, runs every 30-60 min. €2.30 one way. The ride passes through vineyards
Walk the concentric lanes of Eguisheim(1.5 hours)
Voted France's favorite village. Follow the circular layout — three concentric rings of half-timbered houses with flowering window boxes. The central fountain square with the chapel is the heart
Wine tasting at a cave in Eguisheim(45 minutes)
Domaine Emile Beyer or Cave Wolfberger offer free tastings of Crémant d'Alsace and Grands Crus. Try the Gewurztraminer — it's the grape that defines Alsace
Lunch at Auberge Alsacienne in Eguisheim(1 hour)
Flammekueche with lardons and crème fraîche (€11), paired with a carafe of Sylvaner. Outdoor terrace in the village center
Walk or cycle to Turckheim via the vineyard path(1.5 hours)
A flat, well-signed path through the Grands Crus vineyards. Bike rental €15/day from Colmar Vélo if you prefer cycling. Turckheim's fortified gateway and night watchman tradition are charming
Return to Colmar and evening at Covered Market (Marché Couvert)(1 hour)
Browse local cheeses, charcuterie, and Alsatian wines. Pick up Munster cheese and a bottle of Pinot Gris for a hotel room picnic
A quieter day focused on Colmar's connection to Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi (creator of the Statue of Liberty) and deeper food exploration.
Musée Bartholdi(1.5 hours)
The birthplace of the Statue of Liberty's sculptor, at 30 Rue des Marchands. Entry €6. Models and studies for the statue, plus personal artifacts. The courtyard has a scaled replica. Open Wed-Mon 10AM-12PM and 2-6PM
Colmar Pass boat ride and wine tasting (if not done)(1.5 hours)
Pick up the Colmar Pass (€20) at the tourist office on Place Unterlinden — covers the museum, boat ride, and a wine tasting. Saves ~€10 versus buying separately
Cooking class or market lunch(2 hours)
Book a flammekueche cooking class through the tourist office (~€35) or self-cater from Marché Couvert with local bread, pâté, and wine for a picnic in Parc du Champ de Mars
Free afternoon — rest or explore independently(2 hours)
Browse the antique shops along Rue des Marchands, or sit with a tarte aux fruits and coffee at Pâtisserie Jacques on Rue des Boulangers
Dinner at JY'S (Michelin-starred)(2 hours)
Jean-Yves Schillinger's restaurant by the canal. Tasting menu from €65. Book well ahead. Alternatively, Aux Trois Poissons near Petite Venise for elevated Alsatian cuisine at €30-40 for a full meal
Two of the most beautiful villages on the northern wine route, both reachable by bus or bike from Colmar.
Bus to Riquewihr(30 minutes)
Bus #106 from Colmar to Riquewihr, ~€3. Runs several times daily. Or rent bikes and cycle the vineyard route (15 km, mostly flat)
Explore Riquewihr(1.5 hours)
A walled village that looks frozen in the 16th century. Walk the main street Rue du Général de Gaulle, see the Dolder tower (entry €4), and peek through the back alleys to vineyard views. Less touristy than Eguisheim on weekdays
Wine tasting at Hugel & Fils(45 minutes)
One of Alsace's most prestigious domaines, on the main street. Tastings from €8 for 4 wines. Their Riesling Jubilee is exceptional. Open Mon-Sat
Lunch in Kaysersberg at Winstub au Pont(1 hour)
Albert Schweitzer's birthplace village. The winstub overlooks the fortified bridge — try the fleischnaka (rolled meat pasta, €14) with a Pinot Blanc
Kaysersberg Castle ruins hike(45 minutes)
A short steep climb to the 13th-century castle tower above town. Free access. Panoramic views over the village and vineyards. The path starts behind the church
Alsace's capital is just 35 minutes by regional train. The Gothic cathedral and Petite France quarter are unmissable, and the contrast with Colmar is striking.
TER train Colmar to Strasbourg(35 minutes)
Trains run every 30 min, ~€13 each way. Strasbourg station is a 15-min walk from the cathedral
Strasbourg Cathedral and astronomical clock(1.5 hours)
The Gothic masterpiece took 400 years to build. Free entry to the nave. The astronomical clock performs at 12:30PM daily (arrive by noon). Platform climb €8 for city views (330 steps)
Petite France quarter(1 hour)
Half-timbered houses along canals, covered bridges (Ponts Couverts), and the Vauban Dam terrace for panoramic views. Free to explore. More canal-side charm, different character from Colmar's Petite Venise
Lunch at Maison Kammerzell(1.5 hours)
Strasbourg's most ornate building, right by the cathedral. Choucroute à la Strasbourgeoise (€22) in a carved-wood dining room. Tourist-priced but the setting is exceptional
European Parliament quarter and Parc de l'Orangerie(1.5 hours)
Walk or tram to the modern EU quarter to see the Parliament building (exterior only unless you book a free guided tour). The adjacent Orangerie park is ideal for a stroll
A relaxed final morning before heading to the airport or onward train. Time for last-minute shopping and one more look at the canals.
Morning market browsing(1 hour)
If it's Saturday, the outdoor market on Place de l'Ancienne Douane is lively. Otherwise, Marché Couvert is open Tue-Sat. Pick up bredele cookies, Munster cheese, or a bottle of Crémant to take home
Final walk through Petite Venise(30 minutes)
Early morning light on the canals, before the tour groups arrive. One last photo opportunity
Coffee and kougelhopf at Gilg or Helmstetter(30 minutes)
A farewell Alsatian breakfast — the fluted kougelhopf cake with coffee is the perfect sendoff
Checkout and transfer to station/airport(1 hour)
Walk to Colmar station (10 min from old town) for TGV connections. For EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse, the shuttle bus takes 1 hour — book ahead at kunegel.com (€28)
Colmar is in France's Schengen area. US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens get 90 days visa-free. From 2025, ETIAS authorization (~€7) is required for visa-exempt travelers — apply online before departure.
TGV trains from Paris Gare de l'Est reach Colmar in 2h50. From Strasbourg, regional TER trains run every 30 min (35 min, ~€13). The compact old town is entirely walkable — no car needed in Colmar itself.
Rent bikes from Colmar Vélo (Place Rapp) for €15/day. The vineyard paths between Colmar, Eguisheim, and Turckheim are flat and well-signed. E-bikes available for €30/day if you plan to tackle the hillier routes.
The Colmar Pass (€20) covers the Unterlinden Museum, a boat ride in Petite Venise, and a wine tasting. Available at the tourist office on Place Unterlinden. Saves roughly €10 versus buying separately.
Germany is 20 km east — supermarkets across the Rhine in Breisach sell beer and snacks cheaper than in France. If you're renting a car for the wine route, a quick detour can save on provisions.
Don't skip tarte flambée (flammekueche) — order it 'gratinée' for a cheesy version. Winstubs (traditional wine taverns) serve generous portions of choucroute garnie and baeckeoffe. Lunch menus (plat du jour) run €12-16, far cheaper than dinner.
Markets draw over 2 million visitors in 5 weeks. Weekends in mid-December are the busiest — pickpockets operate in dense crowds. Visit on weekday mornings for a calmer experience. Keep valuables in front pockets.
Travel GuidesIs Colmar worth a day trip from Strasbourg? Which wine route village is best? What on earth is flammekueche? A travel consultant who specializes in Alsace answers everything.
SeasonalTwo million people visit Colmar's Christmas markets in five weeks. The wine harvest draws crowds in September. But the real insider move is April — here's a season-by-season guide from someone who lives 30 kilometers away.
StoriesA travel writer arrives in Alsace expecting a cute French town and finds something more — a place where German precision and French beauty collided five centuries ago and never separated.
