Tour
4,7 km
2h10
22 audios
Text version
Ready to explore the oldest town in Alsace? Best known for its stunning Christmas markets in December, Colmar is well worth a visit any time of year! Half-timbered houses, narrow alleys along the canals, impressive architecture… This Alsatian city couldn’t be more charming. It’s even been nicknamed “Little Venice”, and that’s saying something! Colmar is the perfect starting point if you’re planning a short trip in the area. Every year, millions of people flock here to stroll through the narrow streets of the tiny city center. No doubt you’ll get a feel for the soul and traditions of the region when visiting this lovely destination, which is also a stopover on the famous Alsace Wine Route! And what better way to cap off your visit than with a glass of wine?
You're now between the two buildings housing the Unterlinden Museum, the most famous one in Colmar. It's a Museum of Fine Arts and one of the most visited in France. It's spread across two buildings; the one on your left is a former 13th-century convent. Read more
Vous voici dans la Petite Venise, l’un des quartiers de Colmar les plus pittoresques ! C’est ici au rythme des canaux que vous découvrez les maisons typiquement alsaciennes, avec leurs pans de bois peints aux couleurs de la région, agencées de telle sorte qu’elles nous rappellent celles que l’on peut voir à Venise. Read more
Rue commerçante, mais tout aussi pittoresque que le reste de Colmar, la Grand’Rue est le centre de la ville. Dans ce sens, elle vous mène tout droit à la place Jeanne d’Arc, où se tenait autrefois le marché aux bestiaux, mais surtout les exécutions publiques. Read more
C’est un ensemble de briques et de charpentes métalliques qui renferme le marché couvert de Colmar depuis 1865. Un bâtiment historique donc, que l’on doit à l’architecte Louis-Michel Boltz, qui a également réalisé le théâtre municipal de la ville quelques années avant le marché. Read more
Ce quai porte bien son nom, puisque ce sont des maisons de pêcheurs qui bordent la Lauch. Considéré comme l’un des plus beaux spots pour admirer les maisons typiques de l’Alsace, le quai de la Poissonnerie abritait au XVIe siècle les pêcheurs qui vendaient ici leurs poissons. Read more
La rue des Tanneurs marque l’entrée dans le quartier du même nom. Comme son nom l’indique, c’est ici que se trouvaient les tanneurs à l’époque, qui n’étaient d’ailleurs autorisés à travailler que dans cette rue. Read more
Un petit air de Bruxelles au cœur de Colmar ! Cette réplique du célèbre Manneken Pis, installée sur la façade du Palais de Justice, date de 1922 et a été offerte par Bruxelles à Colmar en hommage aux souffrances communes auxquelles les deux villes ont dû faire face pendant l’occupation allemande. Read more
À ce croisement de rues se trouvent deux maisons emblématiques de la ville. À l’angle de la rue Mercière et de la rue des Marchands, on trouve la Maison Pfister, certainement la plus célèbre de Colmar. Read more
Vous voici sur la place de la Cathédrale, mais avant de porter votre attention sur l’imposante collégiale Saint-Martin, je vous invite à vous retourner et observer les bâtiments qui lui font face. Read more
Au vu du nom que porte la place sur laquelle elle se trouve, on pourrait penser que cette église est la cathédrale de Colmar, mais il n’en est rien. Plus maintenant, du moins, puisque pendant la Révolution, elle avait bien été élevée au rang de cathédrale, mais seulement pour une dizaine d'années. Read more
La construction de l’église Saint-Matthieu, destinée à être l’église franciscaine de la ville, débute à la fin du XIIIe siècle. Après la Réforme luthérienne, elle est mise à la disposition du culte protestant pendant près de deux siècles, avant d’être de nouveau affectée au culte catholique en 1715 sur ordre du roi de France. Read more
Véritable chef-d'œuvre de l’art gothique, l’église des Dominicains est construite à partir du XIIIe siècle sur l’actuelle place des Martyrs de la Résistance. C’est d’ailleurs Rodolphe de Habsbourg, roi des Romains, qui posera la première pierre de l’édifice. Read more
C’est un hommage à l'aquarelliste et illustrateur Jean-Jacques Waltz, connu à travers ses œuvres sous le nom de Hansi. Read more
Ce bâtiment à l’architecture si particulière est appelé la Maison des Têtes, en référence aux 106 têtes qui ornent son impressionnante façade. Classée aux Monuments Historiques, c’est l’une des maisons les plus connues de Colmar. Read more
Découvrez Colmar avec l’application navaway®
An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
14 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
Learn the secrets of Alsatian biscuits and treat your taste buds to a unique culinary experience!
To round off your visit to Colmar, head for the marina. It’s just a twenty-minute walk from the historic center and it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll along the banks of the canal.
For a taste of history, head north to admire Colmar’s Statue of Liberty. It’s smaller than the one in New York, but just as impressive. The reason it’s here is that sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, the one behind the Statue of Liberty in New York, was actually born in Colmar. And so, one hundred years after his death, they sculpted a replica to honour his memory in his hometown.
If you’re staying in Colmar for a few days, a day trip to Strasbourg is a must. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this beautiful medieval city is home to an extraordinary cathedral and a wealth of architectural treasures. Plus, it’s just 1 hour away by car or train! You can find our audio-guide to Strasbourg on the Navaway app!
Several villages around Colmar are well worth a visit. If you’re staying in the area for a while, I’d advise you to hit the road and explore them all. You can start with Eguisheim, one of France’s most beautiful villages, located just a few kilometers away from Colmar. Here, you’ll find beautiful half-timbered houses, a castle and old ramparts. Plus, the area has many vineyards, so you can sample and buy local wines in one of the cellars. While you’re here, you can also head for the Three Castles of Eguisheim, the ruins of a stronghold dating back to the 11th century. You can get there on foot or by car; there’s a parking lot just a 10-minute walk from the site. Please note that vehicle access to the castles is restricted during winter.
The Hohlandsbourg Castle nearby is also worth a visit. It’s listed as a Historical Monument and it’s open to visitors, who can learn all about its rich history through a variety of activities and spectacles. Plus, it offers stunning panoramic views of Colmar and its surroundings. Be sure to check the opening times, as it’s only open from spring to autumn. There are several free parking lots next to the castle, so you can leave your car and explore at your leisure. Admission is subject to a fee.
Wine lovers should venture south to the vineyards of Guebwiller. Explore the terraced vineyards on foot, and indulge in wine tastings at renowned local wineries. It’s one of the most impressive vineyards in the region. The Guebwiller Tourist Office will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the site.
If you’re venturing north from Colmar, you should definitely visit Riquewihr, one of Alsace’s best-known villages. With its charming, traditional half-timbered houses, overflowing with flowers, it’s no wonder this medieval village is ranked among the most beautiful in France. Riquewihr transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas, with its dazzling lights and famous Christmas market. All this just a 25-minute drive from Colmar.
The beautiful village of Ribeauvillé is yet another must-see, with its beautiful historic center and colorful, flower-decorated houses. It’s also the gateway to the Three Castles of Ribeauvillé: the Château d’Ulrich, the Château du Girsberg and the Château du Haut-Ribeaupierre.All three are listed Historical Monuments, and offer superb views of the village and surrounding area after a roughly 3-hour hike. The first two are open to visitors. Please note that the castles are only accessible on foot, and cannot be reached by car.
For a truly unforgettable experience, head for the majestic Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle, further north, about 35 minutes from Colmar. Located at an altitude of over 750 metres, this perfectly-preserved site transports you back to the Middle Ages and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. You can explore the castle towers, the living quarters and the medieval garden. Admission is subject to a fee. The site also hosts numerous events throughout the year, so be sure to check their website before you visit.
Not far from the German border, you’ll find the commune of Neuf-Brisach, a city fortified by Vauban in the 17th century. Its one-of-a-kind architecture earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008. Come and discover its remarkable fortifications, built in a star shape and considered one of Vauban’s masterpieces.
If you continue in this direction, you’ll soon cross the border into Germany and find yourself in the beautiful town of Freiburg im Breisgau. Only an hour’s drive from Colmar, this lively medieval city at the gateway to the Black Forest is steeped in history. Here, you’ll find beautiful buildings and numerous bars and restaurants of all kinds. It’s a great place to spend the day, just a short drive from Colmar.
If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, you can visit the Ecomuseum of Alsace, France’s largest open-air museum. They’ve created a traditional Alsatian village, where you can see dozens of buildings saved from ruin by a local association. And it’s all staged to capture the traditional Alsatian way of life and the region’s craftsmanship that has been handed down from one generation to the next. Be sure to check the opening hours before you visit. Admission is subject to a fee.
And of course, no visit to Colmar would be complete without exploring the famous Alsace Wine Route. It will take you through picturesque villages, magnificent landscapes and some of the region’s most famous wineries. Check their website and customize your own wine route adventure! Here’s your chance to discover charming villages like Colmar, Kaysersberg, Turckheim, Bergheim, and Hunawihr.
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Our beloved France is renowned for its exceptional wines. This is no secret. But did you know that Colmar is one of the French regions where cellars are overflowing with viticultural treasures?
Get ready, as your palate will be challenged to recognize some of the finest wines in the country through a guided tour in the heart of the Alsatian vineyard.
In addition to having the chance to taste the best white wines known worldwide, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn more…
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Let’s start with the crème de la crème, a four-star hotel located right in the heart of Colmar: La Maison des Têtes. Ranked…
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Highlights
Breakfast included
Free high-speed internet
Pets allowed
Children’s TV channels
Taxi service
Things to Consider
Paid private parking
In the heart of the city, the location may be subject to noise from external activity
Location : 19 Rue des Têtes, 68000 Colmar, France
Our rating
Budget
See Our Full Review
Our rating
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See Our Full Review
Traveling is also about eating, right? Know that Alsatian specialties go beyond just world-renowned wine. Colmar is a perfect example of this: many dishes born here are famous all over France. To better discover them, we recommend heading to the heart of Petite Venise, especially in Rue Turenne. There, you’ll find numerous restaurants ready to welcome you and your hungry stomach to taste refined dishes from Alsatian cuisine. With large terraces, you’ll find the service as warm as the city of Colmar itself. Another crunchy option? The Place du Marché aux Fruits, known for its restaurants serving traditional Alsatian cuisine that will delight your taste buds.
Planning to stay in Colmar? Lucky you! It’s incredibly easy to find accommodation in Colmar. Why, you ask? Simply because the city offers many hotels perfectly suited to your needs. Rue des Têtes and Route de Neuf Brisach are some of the best areas for prestigious establishments. These hotels are classified and embrace the charm of Alsatian traditions in every detail. For those who want to keep their bank card happy (we get it), Rue Weinemer and Route de Bâle have several affordable hotels offering excellent value for money. Plus, these are close to the city center and all the attractions and monuments to visit. With these few addresses, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect hotel!
Colmar has much to offer. In fact, visiting Colmar is like entering a land where colorful traditional houses align harmoniously. No wonder it’s affectionately nicknamed “Little Venice”! This region in the northwest of France is known for offering postcard-like landscapes, attracting numerous photographers every year trying to capture the perfect shot. Fun fact, it’s also one of the most popular French destinations for couples. Ready to explore the flower-adorned alleys? Ready to wander through the city and glide along the Lauch River? Venture into the old town and be captivated by its welcoming charm and rich history.
Lucky for you, Colmar is one of the most coveted cities in France…especially for its peaceful and warm atmosphere. If you’re planning a road trip in the northeast of France, you can easily visit Colmar in one day without missing a thing. We recommend starting with its historic center, the very heart of the city. After that, enjoy a meal on a terrace and then indulge in a cultural activity. The Bartholdi Museum welcomes you to explore its many floors and admire the works on display. To end your day on a gastronomic note, wine tastings are a must!
Colmar is famous for its historic town center, but many forget to visit the surrounding villages. If you’re staying for at least two days, you’ll have plenty of time to explore both the city and its exterior…Geographically, Colmar is located on the Ried Plain, known for its vineyards that produce the famous Alsatian wines. You’ll also find many charming villages nearby. One of the most breathtaking is the village of Eguisheim, just eight kilometers from Colmar. It’s described as an “enchanting village with old Alsatian houses.” Don’t miss Riquewihr, the quintessential medieval village, which offers an exciting activity for visitors.
Colmar has a picturesque charm, attracting many tourists who pass through the northwest of the country to spend a few days here. You can explore “Little Venice” in depth and immerse yourself in its history, culture, and heritage. What should you visit? The famous Church of the Dominicans is one of the most impressive buildings in the city. After that, feel free to wander around Colmar, looking for unique souvenirs to bring home. After all, that’s part of the vacation experience! Your stroll will likely take you to the Parc du Château, a true haven of peace where serenity reigns. If you want to finish your stay on a cultural note, the Unterlinden Museum will offer you a beautiful artistic journey.
One thing we can all agree on: traveling without bringing home souvenirs can be frustrating. Colmar is famous for its exceptional wines, with magical nectars. To find the best, head to Rue des Tourneurs, where passionate and cheerful specialists run the shops and will happily help you with your purchases. If you’re looking for something that will last, why not buy a stork-shaped plush toy? The symbol of Alsace! Visit Rue des Marchands (well-named) to find small souvenir shops with unique items that will amaze you. For more gift ideas, head to Rue Turenne, where you’ll find many charming boutiques.
How to get to Colmar? Don’t worry if you’re not great with GPS or geography – Navaway will guide you on how to reach Colmar easily and affordably. The best way is to take the train, as there are many direct routes from major cities like Lyon, Paris, and Strasbourg. The Colmar train station is conveniently located near the city center, easily accessible by TGV from Strasbourg, Nancy, or Dijon. Several TER trains also pass through Colmar, and numerous bus lines from the “Trace” network serve the city. If you’re feeling adventurous and prefer driving, Colmar is connected to the European road network via the A35 highway.
Every season has its charm, but the best time to visit Colmar is from June to August—yes, during the summer! These are often the most beloved months globally, offering sunny weather, blue skies, and warm temperatures. Colmar becomes even more idyllic during this time. You can easily stroll around and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking. The high season is also when the splendid and sensational Colmar Music Festival takes place. Don’t miss this unforgettable sensory experience. But don’t forget that the Christmas period, from November to January, is also special, especially for the traditional Christmas market.
Colmar isn’t just famous for its picturesque charm, but also for its gastronomy, from savory dishes to sweet desserts! Baeckeoffe is a traditional hearty dish made with various types of meat like beef, lamb, and pork, along with organic vegetables. There’s also the delicious Munster, a soft, creamy Alsatian cheese—a true delight! For dessert, don’t miss the Kougelhopf, a large brioche sprinkled with powdered sugar, nicknamed “the hat-shaped cake” because of its unique shape. You’ll love it as you stroll through the city. And speaking of sugar, don’t miss the scrumptious Alsatian apple tart.
The ultimate drink in Colmar (as many would guess) is wine. The region is known for its vineyards and quality grape varieties. Many famous wines in France come from Alsace. During your visit, you’ll have the chance (and should) do a wine tasting with experts. To accompany your meals, nothing better than a glass of Sylvaner, a light, fruity wine. Riesling is a bit more robust and dry, but offers great finesse. Of course, we can’t forget the famous Pinot Noir, a striking red with a cherry flavor that tantalizes the taste buds, as well as the refreshing and soft Pinot Blanc, which is loved by tourists.
Colmar is the perfect spot for a peaceful vacation. If you’re used to living in a big city, surrounded by constant noise and pollution, a few days in this colorful little corner of paradise will do wonders for you. Visiting Colmar is like taking a break and savoring the present moment—wandering through the alleys, enjoying a great meat dish with wine sauce, and exploring monuments and buildings that tell the city’s history, customs, and traditions. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a stressed-out family, or a couple looking to reconnect, Colmar is the ideal destination.
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