This article was updated in 2026.
Colmar is a small, charming town located in Alsace, in eastern France, on the River Lauch. Alsace lies on the border between France and Germany, and throughout history, the region has switched hands many times between the two countries. You can clearly see this mix in Colmar’s architecture and culture.
The town lies about 70 km from Strasbourg – so if you’re visiting the Alsatian capital, it’s definitely worth spending one day exploring this fairytale-like place too. Especially since the train from Strasbourg to Colmar takes just over half an hour. You can also take a bus – it’s cheaper, though slightly longer.
8 Amazing Things To Do During One Day In Strasbourg, France
Things To Do In Colmar, France
Interesting Facts and Practical Information About Colmar, France
Colmar is often called “Little Venice of France” thanks to the canals cutting through its historic centre and the romantic atmosphere they create.
The town has a long history dating back to Roman times. Its medieval architecture and colourful half-timbered houses have been beautifully preserved.
It’s also an important wine-producing centre – here you’ll find the headquarters of the body that controls the appellations of wines made in Alsace.
Colmar is famous for its stunning flower displays, especially in spring and summer.
One of the most characteristic features of local houses are their bright façades – they give the town its truly magical look.
The sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, creator of the famous Statue of Liberty, was born and raised in Colmar.
Colmar’s Christmas markets are considered among the best in Europe. Every year, crowds come to experience their charm (I’ve been there – and I can confirm it’s extremely crowded but worth experiencing!).
And one more fun fact – Colmar is said to have inspired the creators of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
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Where To Stay In Colmar?
Most of the attractions are located within the historic centre, and from many places you can reach them on foot in just a few minutes. For that reason, the best strategy is simply to stay as close to the old town as possible.
If you do not need to stay directly in the historic centre, good accommodation options can also be found within a 10–15 minute walk from the old town.
Hotels and apartments there are often cheaper while still very convenient for sightseeing.
To book your accommodation, you can use Airbnb, Booking, and all other popular platforms. The choice is huge!
Recommended hotel
Hotel Quatorze – a 4-star hotel with a very nice design, it’s in the heart of Colmar, but not in a noisy area.
Recommended apartment
L’Ours de Colmar – a very cute attic studio apartment. It has everything you need. Perfect for couples and families.
Recommended budget accommodation
Passage des Romains studio – located 3 km from the Old Town, authentic and budget-friendly accommodation. Very comfortable and clean.
Little Venice – Colmar attractions
Top things to do in Colmar, France start from strolling around most iconic part of town. It’s the district of La Petite Venise (Little Venice), located in the southern part of the old town, close to the historic centre. It stretches along the River Lauch and owes its name to the picturesque canals crossing narrow streets – resembling the famous Italian Venice.
In the past, this area was home to winegrowers, gardeners and boatmen who used the waterways for trade. Today, it’s filled with cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy a good meal or a glass of local wine while admiring the scenery.
Along the canals, you’ll find charming little bridges decorated with flowers in the summer season. On both sides, colourful half-timbered houses reflect beautifully in the water.
The façades are painted in cheerful colours – yellows, reds, greens – creating a fairytale landscape together with their tiled roofs.
Colmar top attractions include a boat trip along the canals. Depending on the route, it takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Prices vary depending on the operator, type of boat, season and duration.
The Fishermen’s and Tanners’ Quarters
Neighbouring Little Venice are two of the most famous districts of Colmar’s old town.
The Fishermen’s Quarter (le quartier de la Poissonnerie) owes its name to its original purpose – it used to be a hub of fish trade, which took place directly from boats moored along the canal.
One of the most distinctive buildings here is Maison des Têtes – “The House of Heads” – named after the dozens of carved faces and grotesque masks adorning its façade, each with a unique expression. Today, it houses a five-star hotel.
In the same area, you’ll find the Covered Market (Marché Couvert) from the 19th century, offering local specialities such as wines, cheeses, meats, fruits and vegetables. It’s open every day except Mondays.
The Tanners’ Quarter (le quartier des Tanneurs) is also belongs to the list of things to see in Colmar. It’s full of tall, narrow half-timbered houses once inhabited by tanners. The top floors were used to dry animal hides.
Here you can also admire Maison des Chevaliers de Saint-Jean (House of the Knights of St John), built in the style of a Venetian palace – one of the most extraordinary Renaissance residences in Alsace.
Both districts were thoroughly restored in the second half of the 20th century, revealing once again their beauty and unique character.
The Old Town of Colmar
The Old Town of Colmar is a historical maze of narrow, cobbled streets. Remarkably, it was not destroyed during World War II, so today it showcases a fascinating mix of architectural styles – from German Gothic to French Neobaroque.
The colourful, perfectly preserved houses make the whole place feel like a film set.
The main street, Grand Rue, is full of cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops.
At the heart of the Old Town lies Place de la Cathédrale with the Collégiale Saint-Martin – the Collegiate Church of St Martin, one of the attractions in Colmar. A Gothic masterpiece with a tall spire and stunning stained-glass windows.
Also on the square you’ll find Ancien Corps de Garde (the former guardhouse) and Maison Adolph, one of Colmar’s oldest buildings, dating back to 1350. Nearby stands a well with two lion heads.
If you walk into the nearby rue des Augustins, you’ll find a little curiosity – Manneken-Pis de Colmar, a replica of the famous peeing boy statue from Brussels. The city of Brussels gifted it to Colmar for the anniversary of its liberation. Unlike its Belgian counterpart, the Colmar boy doesn’t “pee” – he’s not connected to water. From time to time, locals dress him up in different outfits.
Other highlights of the Old Town include:
- Maison Pfister, a Renaissance house with an octagonal tower and wall paintings showing both biblical and secular scenes.
- Koifhus, also known as the Old Customs House – the oldest public building in town.
- The early Gothic Dominican Church, home to the beautiful altarpiece Madonna of the Rose Bower.
Museums in Colmar
Other interesting things to do in Colmar, France are museums. The most famous one is the Unterlinden Museum, located in a 13th-century Dominican convent now connected with the former municipal bathhouse. It holds the largest art collection in Alsace.
Its highlight is the Isenheim Altarpiece – a masterpiece of German Renaissance art depicting the Crucifixion and other biblical scenes in a deeply emotional way.
The museum also displays artworks from the medieval, baroque and modern periods – paintings, sculptures and stained glass. The building itself is worth a visit, as are the cloister garden, orchard, museum shop and restaurant.
Another must-see, especially for locals, is the Bartholdi Museum, located in the house where the sculptor Auguste Bartholdi was born. It’s entirely dedicated to his life and work. Bartholdi, the creator of the Statue of Liberty, also collaborated on the construction of the Eiffel Tower – and Colmar takes great pride in being his birthplace.
Families with children will love the Musée du Jouet – the Toy Museum of Colmar – which has over a thousand toys and games from the 19th century to today, as well as an interactive play zone.
Kids (and adults!) will also enjoy Choco Story Colmar, the chocolate museum showing how chocolate arrived in France and how it’s made. The ticket includes an audio guide in several languages – and most importantly, a tasting session!
Wine lovers should head to the Musée des Vins d’Alsace, the Wine Museum of Alsace, where you can learn about vineyard work, grape harvests and wine professions – and enjoy a tasting of local wines or juices.
Other museums worth visiting include:
- Musée Hansi, dedicated to the famous illustrator Jean-Jacques Waltz,
- Natural History and Ethnography Museum, with collections of animals, minerals and geology,
- Musée de la Glyptographie,
- Musée Mémorial,
- Musée des Usines Municipales, showing the city’s industrial heritage.
Colmar Alsace – Christmas markets
From late November until Christmas – and sometimes into the New Year – Alsace turns into a winter wonderland filled with Christmas markets (Marchés de Noël). During this time, top things to do in Colmar, France, include enjoying this magical atmosphere, with twinkling lights, decorations, and music everywhere.
Several markets appear throughout the historic centre, each surrounded by charming medieval architecture and festive décor.
Entrance is free, and stalls offer a wide selection of Christmas ornaments, handicrafts and local delicacies. You can sip mulled wine, or try hot apple and orange juices.
Especially on December weekends, the town gets very crowded – people arrive in groups and individually, all looking to feel the holiday spirit. I’ve been there, I’ve seen the crowds. I still think it’s worth experiencing at least once, but prepare for queues, busy parkings and crammed streets!
That said, Colmar is actually one of those places that’s best visited outside the high season, for example, in October (I’ve been there during that time too and oh, how pleasant it was!!) 🙂
Why Visit Colmar Attractions?
Colmar is one of the best places to discover the charm of Alsace. You can enjoy a glass of local wine or fresh juice, taste regional specialities and explore the town’s many attractions.
It’s a true medieval gem that deserves a top spot on your travel list.
Check recommended accommodation:
Hotel Quatorze – a 4-star hotel with a very nice design, it’s in the heart of Colmar, but not in a noisy area.
L’Ours de Colmar – a very cute attic studio apartment. It has everything you need. Perfect for couples and families.
Passage des Romains studio – located 3 km from the Old Town, authentic and budget-friendly accommodation. Very comfortable and clean.
Make sure to visit other amazing places in Alsace and France:
8 Amazing Things To Do During One Day In Strasbourg, France
Kaysersberg. A picturesque town surrounded by vineyards
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