23 Incredible Things to Do in Colmar, France (from a Local)

1. Get Lost in Colmar’s Old Town

Colmar’s Old Town will take you on a journey through time. Here you’ll find restaurants, cafés, and hotels set in buildings that date to the 13th century.

My favorite streets are Grand Rue and Rue des Marchands. And, if you climb the small set of stairs attached to the Koïfhus, you’ll have a nice view of the intersection of these two streets.

Then, parallel to Grand Rue is Place de l’Ancienne Douane where you have the infamous Schwendi Fountain. It’s also where I took the photo above.

2. Take a Boat Ride on the Lauch River

The Lauch River weaves through some of the most picturesque sections of the city. And the waterways that pass through the Old Town have been dubbed La Petite Venise (or Little Venice).

While you could follow the river on foot, I opted for a boat ride.

You’ll float along in a small wooden gondola while a tour guide recounts Colmar’s history. It’s a romantic setting that gives way to some spectacular views.

Helpful Tip: The boat ride is about 25 minutes, and tickets should be purchased in advance.

There are several companies that offer this tour, but I booked with Sweet Narcisse.

3. Tour the Alsace Wine Route

Of course, no trip to Colmar is complete without exploring the Alsace Wine Route. This scenic road takes you through picturesque vineyards and offers a chance to sample some of the region’s finest wines.

It’s one of the best ways to explore the area and get an authentic taste of its culture and history.

This is, actually, one of my favorite things to do near Colmar.

There are so many delightful towns along this route, but the closest ones to Colmar include Eguisheim and Turckheim. Kaysersberg is slightly further, but there’s a ton to do here, so it’s worth the trip.

There are a few ways to visit the wine route. The easiest is to take a tour of Alsace but you can also drive or rent a bike.

Helpful Tip: The best places to rent a bike in Colmar are Loka Bike Colmar and Le Vélo Libre.

4. Watch the Sunrise over La Petite Venise

Colmar can be, at times, crowded with tourists, especially in the Petite Venise neighborhood. So, when I can, I try to visit early in the morning.

At sunrise, the sky fills with hues of orange and pink while the sun’s rays hit the most colorful buildings in town.

My two favorite spots are:

• Rue Turenne Bridge
• Rue des Écoles Bridge

5. Reminisce at the Musée du Jouet

Housed in a former cinema, the Musée du Jouet (Toy Museum) was one of the most fun museums I visited in Colmar.

Here you’ll find a fantastic display of toys from the last two hundred years, including Barbie dolls, video games, Playmobil, and much more.

The only downside was that I couldn’t play with any of them, but it was fun to rediscover the toys that marked my childhood.

Address: 40 Rue Vauban

Opening Times:

Wednesday to Monday:

• January to November: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• July to August and December: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

6. Take the Kutzig Bus

The Kutzig Bus is a hop-on hop-off bus that starts and ends in Colmar. Along the way, it stops at Ribeauvillé, Hunawihr, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Turckheim, and Eguisheim.

So far, I’ve used it twice and loved it. It’s easy to use, affordable, and the best alternative to renting a car.

If you plan on taking the Kutzig Bus, I recommend basing your stay in Colmar so you can make the most out of your ticket.

Helpful Tip: The Kutzig Bus does not run year-round. Make sure to check the schedule before your trip.

7. Visit the Hansi Village and its Museum

The Hansi Village and its Museum is dedicated to the life and work of local artist Jean-Jacques Waltz (nicknamed Hansi).

Before and during World War I, he was adamantly against the Germans who had annexed Alsace in 1871. Then, during World War II, he fled to Switzerland where he waited out the end of the war.

He later returned to Colmar to spend the remaining years of his life. He passed away in 1951 but left a lifelong legacy.

During his career, he was a painter, a draftsman and a caricaturist. He showed Colmar in different forms, both during German occupation and after. He also highlighted the beauty of rural Alsace, wrote books, and designed postcards and advertisements for events.

Of the museums I visited, this one was by far the most unique. It’s one of the few places you can view the history and culture of Alsace through the eyes of a local.

Address: 28 Rue des Têtes

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 am – 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm – 6:00 pm

8. Take a Photo of Quai de la Poissonnerie

If there is one thing that Colmar is known for, it’s its colorful architecture. Rows upon rows of streets are lined with pink, blue, yellow, green, and orange houses and shops.

And the most beautiful is Quai de la Poissonnerie.

Up until the 18th century, these colors served two very specific purposes.

First, they were used to distinguish the religion of a household. Blue represented Catholicism, while red corresponded to Protestantism.

And second, they denoted the type of shop (i.e. bakery, butcher, etc.).

Today, locals have done away with this tradition, and, instead, try to have a color different from their neighbors.

A few minutes here and you’ll see why people are drawn to Colmar.

9. Try Tarte Flambée

Tarte flambée is a regional specialty that is like pizza.

This local delicacy consists of a thin crust topped with crème fraîche, lardons, onions, and local cheese. And, while the ingredients are simple, it’s an explosion of flavor in your mouth.

Pair it with a glass of Pinot Gris and you’ll be in heaven.

Of course, you can find tarte flambée in every city in Alsace, but the best is in Colmar.

There are two places that I continue to go back to: La Terrasse du Marché and La Soï.

10. Check Out La Maison des Têtes

La Maison des Têtes or The House of Heads sounds like a horror museum, but it’s, actually, a work of art.

There are over 100 human heads (made of stone) on the front of the building, and then between them are windows, each of which is a different size.

To say it’s eccentric would be an understatement.

Originally, it was nothing more than a mansion for Anton Burger, a wealthy merchant in the early 1600s. Today, this masterpiece has been turned into a five-star luxury hotel.

If you can afford a night here, it will surely be spectacular, or you can admire it from the street for free.

Address: 19 Rue des Têtes

11. Visit Choco Story Colmar

Discover, taste, and create at Colmar’s very own chocolate museum, Choco Story Colmar.

This was one of the coolest museums I visited. I loved learning about the history of chocolate, how it’s made, and its role in society.

There were games and quizzes along the way, which made the experience that much more fun.

I also loved all the samples, and I definitely ate way too much chocolate by the end.

Helpful Tip: Compared to the chocolate museum in Strasbourg, this one is much better.

Address: 12 Place de la Cathédrale

Opening Times: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

12. Admire the Pfister House

The Pfister House was the home of Ludwig Scherer, a financial guru from the mid-16th century. 

At first glance, it appears to be a medieval-style home, but it, actually, was the first example of Renaissance architecture in Colmar.

Its most notable features include the corner bay windows that hang over the street below and the paintings inscribed on the wood panels.

Unfortunately, you can’t tour the inside, but don’t let this deter you from stopping by. It’s a work of art.

Address: 15 Place de la Cathédrale

13. Tour the Musée d’Unterlinden

In the 13th century, the Musée d’Unterlinden was a convent for the Dominican religious sisters. 

Today, it’s one of the most spectacular museums in Alsace with over 200,000 visitors per year. It even won the title of Musée de France.

My favorite piece was the Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald. It’s one of the most talked about paintings and I thought it held up to its reputation.

Address: Place des Unterlinden

Opening Times:

• Wednesday to Monday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Closed Tuesday

14. Sample Alsatian Wine

When it comes to experiencing the culture of Colmar, there’s no better way than sampling some local Alsatian wine.

From dry and fruity Rieslings to full-bodied Pinot Gris, you can find a large variety that will no doubt tantalize your taste buds.

You can try a glass at any restaurant or visit a wine cellar.

I personally recommend booking a tasting or tour with Domaine Martin Jund. They offer a variety of options, and their staff is incredibly knowledgeable.

15. Visit the Musée Bartholdi

Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi was a French sculptor best known for designing the Statue of Liberty.

The Musée Bartholdi is a museum built from his former childhood home.

Its magnificent collection, spread across three floors, includes heirlooms, paintings, and photographs.

Address: 30 Rue des Marchands

Opening Times:

• Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
• Closed Monday
• Closed in January

While the museum is the best place to see his work, there are several additional pieces around Colmar. Some of the most famous are listed below:

• Monument du Général Rapp
• Fontaine Schongauer
• Fontaine de l’Amiral Bruat
• Fontaine Roesemann
• Monument Hirn
• Fontaine Schwendi
• Les Grands Soutiens du Monde

16. Discover the Statue of Liberty

To commemorate Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, on the 100th anniversary of his death, the city of Colmar installed a replica of the Statue of Liberty.

This magnificent monument serves as a tribute to Bartholdi’s seminal work.

It also symbolizes the unique relationship between France and the United States.

Helpful Tip: The statue is not downtown Colmar but at the northern entrance. To see it, you’ll need to drive (15 minutes) or walk (60 minutes).

Address: 45 Route de Strasbourg

17. St. Martin’s Church

Located in the heart of the city, construction of St. Martin’s Church began in 1235 and finished in 1365. Not only is it a historical monument, but it’s also one of the most significant pieces of Gothic architecture in Colmar.

It was here that the Isenheim Altarpiece was created. This piece of art contains a series of panels showcasing the life of Jesus Christ. To date, only seven remain and are currently housed in the Unterlinden Museum.

Address: 18 Place de la Cathédrale

18. Ride the Colmar Tourist Train

If you’re short on time or want a quick overview of Colmar, there are two tourist trains (Green and White). Both offer similar tours but start from different locations, so choose whichever is closest to you.

Trains depart every 30 minutes, and tours last about 35 minutes.

You’ll see most of the famed landmarks in Colmar, including Little Venice, St. Martin’s Church, and Maison Pfister.

19. Tour the Alsace Wine Museum

The Alsace Wine Museum is another great museum. It’s in the same building as the chocolate museum, so it’s easy to visit both.

Here you’ll learn about the history of wine in Alsace, the production process, and the different grape varieties.

There’s also games and quizzes along the way, which made it more engaging (at least for me). And, of course, there is a wine tasting at the end.

It’s one of the only places in the region that I’ve been to where you can get a comprehensive understanding of wine in Alsace.

And, since Colmar is the captial of Wine in Alsace, there’s no better town in the region to learn more about it.

Address: 12 Place de la Cathédrale

Opening Times: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

20. Shop at the Covered Market

Colmar is brimming with architectural beauty, cultural attractions, and delicious cuisine. Among its many gems is the Covered Market or Marché Couvert.

This vibrant indoor market features a variety of stalls selling local products as well as a bar with a terrace that sits on the Lauch River. Shop for souvenirs or stop by for lunch, either way, you won’t regret it.

Address: 13 Rue des Écoles

21. Explore Colmar’s Christmas Market

It might be cliché to say, but I really do think Colmar is a stunning destination year-round.

But during the holiday season, it transforms into a magical winter wonderland.

Helpful Tip: Make sure to check out dates and times of Colmar’s Christmas market this year.

This quaint little town comes alive with twinkling lights and festive decorations.

You’ll also find wooden chalets selling traditional gifts, handmade crafts, and local delicacies.

It’s a must-add to any itinerary involving Alsace’s Christmas markets.

Helpful Tip: If you want to avoid the crowds, I recommend visiting in early December.

22. Hang-out in Parc du Champ-de-Mars

The Champ de Mars Park is Colmar’s largest park. Here you’ll find tree-lined walkways, picnic areas, comfortable benches, and a playground. It’s perfect for anyone looking to escape the more touristy spots.

I pass by here on my way to and from the train station and it never feels full.

I sometimes even grab a few items from the Marché Couvert and have a picnic in one of the grassed areas.

Address: Avenue de la République

23. Stop by the Museum of Natural History and Ethnography

Since I’m a nerd and I love science, the Museum of Natural History and Ethnography was one of the first places I visited.

The collection covers the mineralogy, zoology, paleontology, and ethnography of the region. They also have temporary exhibits that are rotated throughout the year.

One of the coolest things I learned was that there was once a black stork that lived in the region.

Unfortunately, its favored habitat (dense forests with high trees) is not as abundant as it once was, so you won’t see the black stork in this part of France.

Helpful Tip: The habitat in Alsace is more suited for the white stork, which you’ll see in spring and summer.

Address: 11 Rue Turenne

Opening Times: 

• Monday to Friday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• Saturday and Sunday:  10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Map of Colmar

The map below contains all the activities listed in this guide. Click the map below to open Google Maps.

Where to Eat

There is no shortage of amazing restaurants in Colmar, so, to help you plan your trip, I’ve narrowed it down. Below is a list of the best restaurants in town:

• Aux Armes de Colmar – Set in a half-timbered house, this charming restaurant serves excellent traditional Alsatian food.
• La Cocotte de Grand-Mère – A cute bistro with outdoor seating. The service is excellent, and the food is delicious. It’s also a great place to sample some local wine.
• Les Bateliers – Located on in La Petite Venise, this restaurant serves delicious Alsatain food with a view. Get there early to grab a table overlooking the Lauch River.

Where to Stay

Colmar is a small town so the demand for hotels is high. That means you won’t find a ton of budget-friendly hotels. In general, most accommodation options fall within the mid-range to luxury budgets.

If you’re a first-time visitor I recommend staying in either Colmar’s Old Town district or La Petite Venise. Both neighborhoods are centrally located and within walking distance of the major attractions.

Below is a list of hotels I recommend:

• Coquet Studio Colmar Centre – A studio apartment with all the amenities you could want. Not only that but it’s also centrally located.
• Au Grenier à Sel Colmar – A spacious immaculate apartment right in the center of town. The host is friendly, and the apartment is well-equipped.
• Hotel Saint-Martin – Located on Grand Rue, this lovely hotel is set in a traditional half-timbered house. The rooms are cozy, and the staff is terrific. Their breakfast is also really good.

Conclusion

Colmar might be small but it’s easily one of the most beautiful cities in the region. There’s also a ton to do here.

From engaging museums to lively markets, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to experience the history and culture of Alsace.

It’s bigger than some of the neighboring towns, like Eguisheim, but much smaller than Strasbourg. So, I recommend planning for a weekend getaway or a day trip from Strasbourg, and, then, using it as a base to explore the region.

So, now, all that’s left to do is plan a trip to this gorgeous city.

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Read More Articles from France

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

• 25 Amazing Things to Do in Alsace (Local’s Guide)
• What is Alsace Famous For? 17 Things You Won’t Want to Miss
• 13 Amazing Things to Do in Eguisheim, France
• 9 Best Wineries to Visit in Alsace (Local’s Guide)

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