Visit Colmar
like in a fairy tale
Colmar, an Iconic City
Could it be one of the most beautiful towns in France? The people of Colmar would certainly say so! Wander through its cobbled streets and alleys, past its colorful medieval buildings, neo-Gothic villas, and along the canals—many say that Colmar is a true essence of Alsace. It stands as a European crossroads between France and Germany, blending Latin and Germanic influences seamlessly. At times, it has been a prized trophy in war, fought over by both nations. Can you count how many times Colmar has switched hands between the two countries throughout history? The Germanization of Alsace began at the end of the Roman era, with the conquest of the Alemanni, a Germanic tribe from the East. Later, they were defeated by Clovis and his Franks, who incorporated Alsace into their kingdom. After several centuries of independence under the Decapolis, Colmar was conquered by the French in 1673. Then, in 1871, Prussia claimed all of Alsace. It remained German until the end of World War I, when it was returned to France, only to be temporarily occupied by Germany during World War II. Our history explains why German influence is so prevalent in this French region. How could it have been otherwise?
Colmar Through the Ages
This is the perfect place to get delightfully lost—in fact, Colmar’s old town has one of the largest pedestrian zones in Europe!
Beyond its diverse architectural styles, you’ll notice that many building facades are extraordinarily decorated—as if the houses themselves are both works of art and living spaces.
You can also follow the marked trail, recognizable by bronze triangles embedded in the ground, guiding you through the city. There’s even one right in front of Maison 1934!
40 “History of the City” steles, made of enameled lava stone, highlight Colmar’s key landmarks. These steles feature QR codes, giving visitors access to an enhanced digital tour of the city.
With just a smartphone, visitors can access multilingual information, including videos, anecdotes, and thematic walking tours. Thanks to augmented reality and an interactive map, visitors can explore the city step by step in an immersive way.
These “History of the City” installations, combined with augmented reality tours, offer a fun and educational way to experience Colmar, making the city’s rich heritage accessible to all.
Colmarian Monuments
The city boasts several museums worth exploring, including the Unterlinden Museum, home to the famous 16th-century Isenheim Altarpiece. There is also a Toy Museum and the Bartholdi Museum, located in the house where Auguste Bartholdi, the local artist and sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, was born. A replica of his most famous work stands just a few kilometers from the city center.
The Gothic Saint-Martin Church, with its colorful tiled roof and 13th-century stained-glass windows, is also well worth a visit.
Other architectural gems include:
🏰 The Pfister House (1537), a symbol of Colmar’s Renaissance, and one of the finest surviving bourgeois residences.
🏛 The Koïfhus (Old Customs House), completed in 1480, the oldest public building in Colmar, once used for the storage and transit of all imported goods.
🏚 The House of Heads (1609), named after the 111 grotesque heads and masks adorning its façade, reflecting the wealth of Colmar’s merchant bourgeoisie.
🏛 French Classicism also graces Colmar with elegant buildings, such as the Haut-Rhin Prefecture (facing the Champ de Mars), the Palace of the Sovereign Council (1771), and the Old Hospital (1744), known for its balanced and sober proportions.
Little Venice
La Petite Venise was once the merchant district of Colmar, where goods were transported by boat along the Lauch River to the town market. It is said that houses were painted in different colors according to their trade—blue for fishermen, red for butchers, and so on. Remarkably, these traditions and colors have been perfectly preserved.
To experience Little Venice from a different perspective, take a boat ride along the canals. The shallow waters require the use of flat-bottomed boats, similar to traditional wooden barges. Departures take place below the Saint-Pierre Bridge, next to the Caveau Saint-Pierre Restaurant (accessible from Rue de la Herse or Boulevard St-Pierre).
For a truly magical experience, visit early in the morning or at dusk. Golden hour, with the soft glow of streetlights reflecting on the still waters, makes for a scene straight out of a fairytale!
Exploring Alsace
Colmar is also the perfect starting point to explore Alsace’s famous wine region, known for its exceptional white wines. In addition to delicious Rieslings, you will also find Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris, as well as Pinot Noir rosés and the local sparkling wine, Crémant d’Alsace.
There are numerous wine bars and shops in Colmar where you can sample local wines. However, for a deeper experience, consider driving or cycling along the Alsace Wine Route. This 170-kilometer route includes hundreds of wineries and vineyards open for visits.
One of the closest and most picturesque wine villages to Colmar is Eguisheim, just 7 km away—an easy bike ride (rentals available at Maison 1934!).
For those looking to explore further, some of the region’s finest wineries—including Maison Trimbach, Maison Lucien Albrecht, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, Jean-Baptiste Adam, and Domaine Paul Blanck—are located in the charming villages of Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, and Hunawihr.
Feel free to contact us to book a wine tasting experience!
When to Visit Colmar?
🌸 Spring brings Colmar’s spectacular Easter markets and the city’s annual Spring Festival. With pleasant temperatures and a burst of floral colors, Colmar is at its most vibrant. Maximum temperatures range between 16-20°C, though occasional rain showers are possible.
☀️ Summer is peak season, with warm temperatures averaging 24-26°C and occasional thunderstorms. A variety of festivals, including the Colmar International Festival and the Alsace Wine Fair in July, draw large crowds. September often feels like an extension of summer, with plenty of sunshine.
🍂 Autumn brings a beautiful Indian summer, with grape harvests lasting until November for the region’s finest wines. September and October feature charming wine festivals and gourmet events such as the famous “Week of Taste”. Early October sees lush green vineyards, while November welcomes fiery autumn foliage—lasting right up to Christmas market season.
❄️ Winter is cold, but Colmar’s Christmas markets transform the city into a magical wonderland from late November through December. January and February are much quieter, but you may even catch a glimpse of Little Venice under the snow!
"Colmar and its Region" – Inspiration, Discovery, Practical Guide
📖 Download here the beautiful brochure published by the Colmar Tourist Office, where Maison 1934 is proudly featured!
*”From Colmar’s Petite Venise to some of the most iconic villages of the Alsace Wine Route, such as Turckheim and Niedermorschwihr, the Colmar region offers an epicurean getaway in a fairytale setting.
Romantic, gourmet, and cultural, whether explored on foot or by bike, Colmar is a place where the rhythm of life blends the city, countryside, and vineyards. This region holds dear its roots and history and invites you to share a moment of togetherness at the ‘stàmmtisch’—the traditional gathering table in Alsatian winstubs.
🛎️ The “Colmar and its Region” inspiration guide showcases the best of Colmar’s gastronomy, winegrowers, hotels, restaurants, and vacation rentals.
Wilkomme bisàmme!“
(The stàmmtisch is a traditional table reserved for locals at Alsatian taverns, known as winstubs.)
More ideas and information
Do not hesitate to ask us, we will be delighted to inspire you!
