Is Colmar Worth Visiting? 19 Reasons Why You Should!

Colmar is a charming town located along the Alsace Wine Route in Alsace. It’s famed for its picturesque canals and traditional half-timbered houses.

Over the years it has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all around the world. So, is Colmar worth visiting?

I moved to the capital of Alsace, Strasbourg, in 2019. Since then, I’ve visited Colmar at least 20 times. And I can confidently say Colmar is worth it.

In this post, I’ll cover what makes this little town so special and why you should visit.

Is Colmar Worth Visiting?

Yes, Colmar is worth visiting!

This fairytale town has been dubbed the wine capital of Alsace. It boasts a picturesque setting highlighted by cobbled streets and charming half-timbered houses.

Of the places I’ve been to in France, I have to say that Colmar is one of the most beautiful.

But there’s more to this town than just its charming aesthetics.

There are also tons of museums. The most famous is the Unterlinden Museum, which houses the Isenheim Altarpiece.

Colmar is also right on the Alsace Wine Route. Over the years, I’ve found it’s a great base to explore the surrounding villages and vineyards. It’s where I began bike trips to Kaysersberg, Eguisheim, and Ribeauvillé.

Then, during the holiday season, Colmar transforms into a magical winter wonderland.

There are wooden chalets selling handcrafted gifts, festive decorations, and mulled wine.

It’s one of my favorite Christmas markets in Alsace.

Finally, Colmar is easy to get to from major cities like Paris and Strasbourg, so, there’s no reason not to add it to your itinerary.

19 Reasons to Visit Colmar

There’s no shortage of reasons why you should visit this wonderful city.

So, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list to help you decide if Colmar should be your next destination.

1. Picturesque Half-Timbered Houses

Colmar’s biggest tourist attraction is its picturesque half-timbered houses. Each is a different color than the next. And, in summer, their windowsills are decorated with vibrant bouquets.

The most gorgeous buildings I saw were along Quai de la Poissonnerie. And, while you might think they were painted this way to attract tourists, there’s far more to the story.

In fact, these colors were once used to identify the inhabitants of a household.

If the building was residential, blue showed that the household was Catholic while red was Protestant. If the building was commercial, the color represented the type of store.

These designations disappeared after the 18th century, but residents still enjoy painting their houses in different colors. They must, however, have the color approved by City Hall beforehand.

2. Tons of Museums

Colmar is home to some of the best museums I’ve been to in Alsace.

Below I’ve listed my favorites:

✓Unterlinden Museum – This renowned museum houses an impressive collection of exhibits. The most notable is the Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald. Not only that but it’s the most visited museum in Alsace.

✓Bartholdi Museum – Dedicated to the creator of the Statue of Liberty, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, this museum showcases his life and work.

✓ Toy Museum – Colmar’s Toy Museum is a vast collection of toys and games from various eras. I loved reminiscing about my childhood here. So, if you want to indulge in nostalgia, this is the place to go.

3. Near the Alsace Wine Route

When I moved to Alsace, the first thing I did was hop on my bike and follow the Alsace Wine Route to Colmar.

Since then, I’ve used Colmar as a base to explore the 170 kilometers (105 miles) of this beautiful route. I love the stunning landscapes, charming villages, and, of course, family-owned wineries.

Some of my favorite stops have been Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, and Turckheim.

Each village has its own character and offers plenty of opportunities to visit local wine cellars.

Helpful Tip: There are a few places to rent a bike in Colmar – Loka Bike Colmar and Le Vélo Libre.

4. Tasty Food

Colmar’s traditional cuisine is a tantalizing mix of French and German influences. From savory sausages to sweet treats, there are a lot of things to try here.

Some of my favorite dishes include tarte flambée and choucroute garnie. And, for dessert, nothing beats kugelhopf.

Below I’ve compiled a list of the best places to try Alsatian food in Colmar:

• La Kilbe
• Les Bateliers
• La Cocotte de Grand-Mère
• Brasserie des Tanneurs

Helpful Tip: In my opinion, the food scene in Strasbourg is much better than Colmar. You’ll find more restaurants and options for traditional Alsatian food there.

5. Lots of Wineries

There are seven grape varieties produced in Alsace – Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, Sylvaner, Riesling, Muscat, and Pinot Blanc.

Since Colmar is the region’s capital of wine, there’s no better place to sample some of the best wine in the world.

There are a few wine cellars around town where you can do tastings.

My favorite is Domain Martin Jund. They have several different tours to choose from.

If you don’t have a car and are not planning to visit other nearby towns, it’s the best place to do a tasting.

6. Little Venice

This charming neighborhood features beautiful canals lined with stunning medieval buildings. It’s very much reminiscent of its Italian namesake.

Stroll along the waterways and admire the architecture, stop by an artisanal shop, or enjoy a glass of wine on a terrace.

My favorite was the gondola ride.

You’ll paddle along the Lauch River while gazing at the picturesque scenery.

It’s a unique view of the city that you wouldn’t see otherwise. And, as a bonus, your guide will tell the fascinating history of Colmar.

There are a few companies that run tours, but I recommend Sweet Narcisse.

That’s the company I used. Their guides are all from Alsace and take great pride in showing off the best of Colmar.

7. Enchanting Christmas Market

Colmar’s annual Christmas Market is my favorite event in the region.

Helpful Tip: It runs from late November through December.

The streets are lit with twinkling lights, the aroma of mulled wine fills the air, and festive stalls sell everything from handmade crafts to local treats.

I’ve been to a lot of Christmas markets around Alsace and the one in Colmar was the best.

It’s less crowded and commercialized than Strasbourg’s.

Helpful Tip: If you plan on visiting, I recommend going in early December to avoid the tourist crowds.

8. Beautiful Architecture

There’s no denying that Colmar has some of the prettiest streets in the region, if not the country.

But there’s more to see than colorful half-timbered houses.

In fact, Colmar has some of the quirkiest architecture I’ve seen in Alsace.

Below is a list of my favorites:

✓La Maison des Têtes – This particular building is covered in over 100 small human heads (made of stone) and each window is a different size.

✓Maison Pfister – This 16th-century Renaissance-style building features detailed wooden panels and unique bay windows.

✓Koïfhus or Old Custom House – This historic building, once an important center for trade and politics, now hosts cultural events.

9. Perfect for Day Trips

Colmar sits on the border of Germany and Switzerland, which makes it an ideal base for day trips.

Whether you want to explore the greater Alsace region or wander around the Black Forest, you’ll be able to do so from here. That’s how well this little town is connected.

Some of my favorite day trips from Colmar include Strasbourg, Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, and Riquewihr.

I’ve even hiked to Hohneck, the third-highest peak in the Vosges Mountains, and spent a day exploring Burgundy’s capital, Dijon.

10. Covered Market

If there is one thing I love about France, it’s its markets. And the covered market in Colmar stands at the top of my list.

Here you’ll find a variety of local products, such as cheese, charcuterie, and fresh produce.

There’s also a restaurant in the back, La Terrasse du Marché, that serves the best traditional tarte flambée I’ve ever had.

11. Parc du Champ de Mars

The Parc du Champ de Mars is a gorgeous public park outside Colmar’s busy Old Town.

Stroll along the covered walkways or picnic in the grassed areas, you won’t find a better place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

When I visit Colmar, I usually stop by when the weather is nice. There’s a lot of green space and it’s so big it never feels overcrowded.

12. Easy to Access

Even though it looks like Colmar is in the middle of nowhere, it’s actually easy to get to.

It’s located in eastern France near Germany and Switzerland.

That means you can get to Colmar by car, train, or plane. Whether you’re coming from nearby Strasbourg or flying from the United States, you won’t have any problems getting here.

The nearest airports are:

• Frankfurt Airport
• Charles de Gaulle or Orly Airport
• EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

And each one has trains and/or buses that go to Colmar.

Once you are in the city, there are plenty of transport options to help you get around. You can walk, ride a bike, or use the bus.

Helpful Tip: I’ve never used a bike or a bus to get around Colmar. It’s so small neither are not necessary in the city itself.

13. St. Martin’s Church

St. Martin’s Church is a Gothic-style church that was built in 1235. Its most impressive features include its stained-glass windows and intricate exterior.

It’s also where the Isenheim Altarpiece, a series of wooden panels depicting the life of Christ, was created.

I’ve visited St. Martin’s Church several times. It doesn’t compare to the Strasbourg Cathedral, but I still recommend stopping by.

Helpful Tip: If you want to see the Isenheim Altarpiece, you’ll have to go to the Unterlinden Museum.

14. Excellent Guided Tours

There’s no denying that Colmar is a small town, but there are tons of things to see and do here. It’s also close to many other attractions in the area.

If you’re visiting Colmar for the first time, you might not know where to begin. Luckily, there are a ton of informative and enjoyable guided tours available.

From historical excursions around town to day trips to other Alsatian villages, there are options for every traveler.

Best of all, you won’t have to worry about navigating small towns, narrow roads, or a foreign language.

You’ll be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy your hard-earned vacation.

15. Outdoor Activities

I’m a huge outdoor enthusiast. I love cycling, running, and hiking.

And Colmar is next to my favorite natural park in Alsace, the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park.

Needless to say, I’ve spent a lot of time here.

In summer, popular activities include hiking to the Grand Ballon, the highest peak in the Vosges Mountains, camping next to Lac de Longemer, and taking in the views of the Lac Blanc.

In winter, these same areas fill with snow and become perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking.

16. Proximity to Other Alsatian Towns

Compared to Strasbourg, Colmar is closer to the most popular Alsatian towns.

Public transportation in this part of France is limited, especially in some of the smaller villages.

And the options that do exist (buses, taxis, and tours) start in Colmar.

I’ve taken taxis to Riquewihr and Eguisheim. I’ve also cycled along the Alsace Wine Route to Kaysersberg.

On each one of these trips, I started in Colmar.

17. Lots of Festivals

I was surprised to learn that Colmar has a ton of festivals throughout the year. More so than any other town in the region, even Strasbourg.

There’s the annual Alsace Wine Fair. It takes place every August, showcasing local wines and traditional Alsatian cuisine.

In December, it hosts one of the best Christmas markets in Alsace.

There are also music festivals, including the Colmar International Festival. It features classical music performances by renowned musicians.

I’ve been to almost every event and I always have a blast. To date, my favorite is the Alsace Wine Fair.

There are wine tastings, a folk festival, and a cabaret. You won’t find anything else like it, at least in Alsace.

18. Old Town

Colmar’s Old Town is the second most picturesque district, after Little Venice. It dates to the 13th century and still has many of its original buildings.

The most famous street is Grand Rue. Here you’ll find traditional restaurants, unique cafés, and beautiful architecture.

One of my favorite buildings is Maison dite “au Pèlerin.” It’s so photogenic that I must have over 50 pictures on my hard drive.

There’s also the infamous Schwendi Fountain, the fountain from Beauty and the Beast, and Place de l’Ancienne Douane (photo above).

It’s a great place to wander around and get lost with your camera.

19. Statue of Liberty

Believe it or not, France is home to several replicas of the Statue of Liberty. And one of them is in Colmar.

It’s smaller than the original and sits at the northern entrance welcoming visitors. It was built in 2004 to honor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, one hundred years after his death.

Whether you’re an American tourist like me or want to appreciate the monument, it’s worth a visit.

Helpful Tip: To get to the Statue of Liberty you can take a taxi (10-minute drive) or walk (1 hour).

Conclusion

It might sound cliché, but Colmar really does offer an unforgettable experience. There’s history, culture, and scenery. It’s also a great base for exploring the area.

In fact, there’s no reason not to visit.

I, myself, have been tons of times, and I continue to go back. That’s how wonderful this little village is.

Now all that’s left to do is start planning your adventure.

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Read More Articles

I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.

• Colmar to Eguisheim: How to Get There (Local’s Guide)
• Best Time to Visit Alsace, France (A Local’s Guide)
• Is Strasbourg Worth Visiting? Things to Do and Reasons to Visit

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