Colmar is one of the most charming towns in Alsace, France. From colorful half-timbered houses to quaint canals, it’s a photographer’s paradise.
I moved to Alsace in 2019 and Colmar was one of the first places I visited. And, since then, I’ve been at least a hundred times.
I’ve spent countless hours exploring every corner of this beautiful city. As a photographer, I’m drawn to the gorgeous architecture and vibrant colors.
And, today, I want to share with you the most incredible Colmar Instagram spots.
I’ll show you where you can find all these places as well as how to get the best photo for your feed.
18 Incredible Colmar Instagram Spots
From Quai de la Poissonnerie to Saint Martin’s Church, there are so many Instagrammable places in Colmar.
Here’s a list of the ones worth adding to your itinerary.
1. Quai de la Poissonnerie
Quai de la Poissonnerie is arguably the most iconic spot in Colmar if not Alsace.
The picturesque medieval houses are the most colorful in town. Add to that their flower-filled balconies and the canal that runs below and you have the perfect backdrop for your Instagram photos.
I have hundreds of pictures of this street, but my best shots are the ones I took at sunrise.
To get the photo above, you’ll need to stand on Pont Rue des Écoles.
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2. Pont Rue des Écoles
Pont Rue des Écoles is a stunning bridge that connects Quai de la Poissonnerie and the rest of Colmar. From here, you’ll have an incredible view of the colorful houses lining the canal.
It’s also a great spot for taking photos of boats passing by.
The photo I took above is less common than the first example I gave but still beautiful. I recommend going at sunrise or sunset to get the best picture.
3. Rue Turenne
Rue Turenne is a charming street in Colmar’s La Petite Venise district, filled with traditional half-timbered houses.
However, the colorful buildings shown in the photo above are only visible from the bridge.
My favorite time to visit this spot is during the golden hour when the light hits the buildings just right and creates a warm glow.
4. Grand Rue
Grand Rue is Colmar’s high street. Here you’ll find tons of shops, cafés, and hotels.
It’s also very Instagrammable, especially the view from the Maison dite “au Pèlerin,” as shown in the photo above.
I took this photo during Colmar’s Christmas market when the street was full of festive decorations.
To get the same photo I took, you’ll have to stand at the corner of Grand Rue and Rue de l’Église.
5. Pont St-Pierre
Pont St-Pierre is another picturesque bridge in Colmar. From here, you’ll have a stunning view of colorful half-timbered houses and the canal.
Compared to the other places I already mentioned, this spot is off the beaten path. It’s at the edge of La Petite Venise, so few make it this far.
I recommend taking this photo at night when the buildings are beautifully lit. That’s how I got the photo above.
6. Saint Martin’s Church
One of the most iconic buildings in Colmar is Saint Martin’s Church. With its unique pink color and intricate details, it’s definitely Instagram-worthy.
But I found the outside of the church not as beautiful as the inside.
I went early in the morning, so I was able to capture photos without crowds of tourists.
7. Colmar’s Christmas Market
If you’re visiting Colmar during the holiday season, then you have to visit the Christmas market. It’s impossible not to.
This little town transforms into a winter wonderland. There’s everything from festive decorations and Christmas lights to piping hot mulled wine.
I love capturing the traditional wooden chalets. And, compared to the ones at Strasbourg’s Christmas market, I found these to be far more photogenic.
The wooden chalets in the photo above were on Rue des Tanneurs.
8. Koïfhus (Old Custom House)
Located in the heart of Colmar, the Koïfhus is a must-visit for any photographer. This beautiful building was once the Custom House. It, now, houses a restaurant, and, occasionally, hosts exhibitions.
I have tons of photos of the Koïfhus, but my favorite is the one I took at Christmas.
The decorations and wooden chalets create a lively atmosphere that brings something extra to the image.
9. Pont Rue des Tanneurs
This charming little bridge captures all that is Colmar in one shot. The colorful houses, the canal, and the flowers also make for a stunning backdrop.
I recommend visiting early in the morning or at sunset to avoid the crowds.
In the photo above, I had to use a zoom lens to focus on the area I wanted.
10. Wistub de la Petite Venise
Wistub de la Petite Venise is a traditional Alsatian restaurant located in the heart of Colmar’s Little Venice.
This picturesque area is filled with beautiful bridge-covered canals and brightly colored buildings. But this restaurant has the cutest decorations.
The door, in the photo above, is along Rue de la Poissonnerie. It’s impossible to miss.
11. Place de l’Ancienne Douane
Place de l’Ancienne Douane is a popular square in the heart of Colmar. It’s surrounded by beautiful old buildings, and, at the center, you’ll find Fontaine Schwendi.
But the real highlight is the half-timbered houses shown in the photo above.
If you want this exact picture, stand near the canal next to Fontaine Schwendi.
I also recommend going during the day when there are people at the cafés and restaurants so that you can show the liveliness of this spot.
12. Maison Pfister
Maison Pfister is one of the most famous buildings in Colmar. Its ornate Renaissance-style façade makes for a stunning photo.
You can take this photo from different angles, but I highly recommend taking a vertical shot from the side of the building. This way, you can capture everything in one frame.
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13. Rue Turenne and the Lauch River
As I mentioned above, Rue Turenne is a beautiful street with stunning half-timbered houses.
But there’s more than one way to capture it.
In the photo above, I was standing on the bridge, facing the Lauch River. I visited at sunset when the terraces were lit and full of people eating dinner. It’s one of my favorite photos that I have of Colmar.
14. Claude Kraetz Bakery
No trip to Colmar is complete without a visit to the Claude Kraetz Bakery.
This bakery is known for its tasty croissants and stunning window displays. It’s the perfect spot for an Instagram photo.
I took the picture above in summer when the windows were decorated with beautiful flowers, but it’s worth checking out year-round.
Plus, you can always grab a delicious treat while you’re there.
15. View from a Gondola
For a unique and breathtaking shot of Colmar, take a ride on one of the gondolas that run through the canals.
Not only will you get an incredible view of the city, but you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to capture some amazing photos.
Of the things I’ve done in Colmar, this was my favorite.
There are tons of companies offering gondola rides, but I recommend going with the Sweet Narcisse. I found the tour guides to be very knowledgeable and the gondola was not overcrowded.
16. Brasserie des Tanneurs
Brasserie des Tanneurs is a must-visit spot for foodies and Instagrammers alike.
With its charming decorations, it’s the perfect place to snap a photo while enjoying some delicious Alsatian cuisine.
Of the photos I have of Brasserie des Tanneurs, the one above is my favorite. It’s decorated like that year-round, even though it looks like it’s for Valentine’s Day.
17. Isenheim Altarpiece
The Isenheim Altarpiece is a masterpiece of religious art located in the Unterlinden Museum.
It’s not only one of the most visited museums in Alsace but also a great place to capture some stunning photos.
I recommend going early in the morning when there are fewer crowds, and you can get a clear shot of this incredible altarpiece.
18. La Maison des Têtes
La Maison des Têtes, or House of Heads, is one of the most unique buildings in Colmar.
The outside is covered with carvings of little human faces. But what makes this building stand out are the oddly sized windows. No set is the same!
It was once the home of a wealthy merchant, Anton Berger. And, today, it’s one of the most luxurious hotels in town. They also have an absolutely delicious restaurant.
Since it’s so oddly shaped, I recommend taking a vertical photo.
To get the picture I captured above, you’ll need to stand at the corner of Rue de l’Eau and Rue des Têtes.
Map of Colmar’s Most Instagrammable Spots
Below is a map of all the locations mentioned in this post. Click on the map to open Google Maps.
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Conclusion: Most Instagrammable Spots in Colmar
Colmar is a picturesque town that offers endless opportunities for Instagram-worthy photos. From colorful houses to charming streets, there’s something for every type of Instagrammer in this Alsatian gem.
But, if I had to choose my favorite spot to photograph, it would be Quai de la Poissonnerie.
Now that you know which spots are worth capturing. It’s time to start planning your trip to Colmar. And why not start with an itinerary for Alsace that includes Colmar?
Read More Articles About France
I hope you enjoyed my post and found it useful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.
- 11 Incredible Alsace Tours (A Local’s Guide)
- 22 Amazing Day Trips from Colmar (A Local’s Guide)
- Is Strasbourg Worth Visiting? Things to Do and Reasons to Visit
