Top 5 things to do in Colmar

Have you decided to spend a few days holiday in the charming Alsace town of Colmar? Colmar, nicknamed “Little Venice”, has more than one trick up its sleeve! A city of culture and gastronomy, it is steeped in both medieval and Renaissance styles. It’s Alsace’s most endearing town, with a somewhat picturesque feel: a small, modern country village.

It’s the perfect place to disconnect from the world of the usual big city, and have a good time while enjoying a variety of interesting activities. In this article, you’ll find a short briefing on what to expect down here. We’re already warning you, plenty of surprises await you, so enjoy your visit to Colmar!

What to do in Colmar

1. The Bartholdi Museum

Category: €/Cultural

Description: We all agree that when you visit a town, it goes without saying that you should learn more about its heritage and history. And there’s no better way to do this than to start our tour by visiting a museum. This fun activity is highly recommended, especially for a city as cultural as Colmar.

Welcome to the Bartholdi Museum, named after the famous sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, Auguste Bartholdi. The museum has three levels: the ground floor, the first floor and the second floor. Here you will find a large collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs and models, all produced by the man known as Bartholdi. Visit what was once his birthplace, at 30 rue des Marchands, from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

2. Wander through the city

Category: €€/Cultural/Sporting

Description: Yes, we know it sounds logical. It’s normal to wander around a city’s districts to get to know it better and explore it. But some people skip this important part of their trip. Especially if you’re going away in summer, we’d advise you not to hesitate to stroll around the town, taking the time to chat to the locals (who are often described as friendly and welcoming), taking a break and sipping a drink with the family on the edge of a terrace, and admiring the various religious buildings such as the Dominican church.

For a breath of fresh air, why not hire a bike and pedal around Colmar on two wheels? It’s an activity that’s sure to please the kids, as well as getting you out and about. After all, you shouldn’t neglect sport on holiday! The best part? Take a trip to the Quai de la Poissonnerie, open during the morning, where the smell of fresh fish will tickle your nostrils. The colourful fishermen’s houses are a delight!

3. Dominican Church

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Earlier, we told you about the different religious buildings to discover in Colmar. One of them stands out in particular. It’s none other than the Dominican church, which is the pride of Colmar’s inhabitants and attracts the curiosity of many visitors, not least because of its history and architecture. It is clearly Colmar’s most emblematic landmark. And with good reason? It took a long time to build, from the 13th to the 14th century, but the result is still a sight to behold. Baroque in style, behind its sturdy walls and artistic mosaics that are meticulously detailed, it houses the famous “Madonna of the Rose Bush”, created by Martin Schongauer.

A sumptuous place whose decor is worthy of perfection, the Dominican church is located on Place des Dominicains, and can be visited on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 10am to 1pm, and from 3pm to 6pm.

4. Discover the cellars and taste the wines

Category: €€/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description: Our beloved France is renowned for its exceptional wines. It’s no secret. But did you know that Colmar is just one of the French regions whose cellars are overflowing with wine treasures? Get ready, because your palate will be challenged to recognise some of the country’s finest wines on a guided tour through the heart of the Alsace vineyards. As well as having the chance to taste some of the world’s best-known white wines, you’ll be able to learn more about the grape varieties that are home to the region, such as ‘Riesling’ (one of the most famous).

Where can you taste the best aromas? In the commune of Kaysersberg, at Jean Dietrich et Fils, with 7 grape varieties on offer. There, a team of cellar-dwellers are on hand to share their passion with you for a visit lasting around an hour. Lovers of the vine. You’ll be able to leave with an exquisite bottle of wine – ain’t life grand? Monday to Saturday, 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm. Enjoy the tasting!

5. The Pfister House

Category: Free/Cultural

Description: If you’re walking down the street and see a house with murals painted in an atypical manner, with its two-storey corner oriel and turret, there’s no doubt about it! This is the house known as “La Maison Pfister”. It’s one of the oldest houses in the region, dating back to the 14th century, in 1537 to be exact, and is one of the earliest symbols of the Renaissance in Colmar. Let yourself be captivated by the paintings depicting biblical and secular scenes, and learn more about its former occupants to whom it owes its name: the “Pfisters” who occupied and restored it from 1841 to 1892.

Although the façade and the building were rebuilt in 2012, you can still visit the Pfister House, located on rue Marchands, by contacting the Colmar Tourist Office, open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm, and on Sundays from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm.