As you scroll through photos of Colmar, does it remind you of a fairy tale? Perhaps a certain Disney one involving a beauty and a beast, perhaps? The fairy tale comparison abounds when people are discussing Colmar, and nothing could be more apropos.
This is a beautiful Medieval town that borders on Germany and Switzerland, creating a wonderful amalgamation of all three decadent cultures. Come to the Alsace region of France when you want to step through a portal in time, sip on some wine, and savor some of the splendors of a gilded city that only France could have sprung to life.
Old Colmar
Old Colmar is the perfect starting point. With cobblestoned streets and half-timbered Medieval and Renaissance buildings, you’ll feel like you stepped through the mists of time as soon as your toes touch the ground.
The town center is reserved for pedestrians only, adding to its allure, and many parts of it are lined by enchanting canals. You could get lost here for hours, amidst the coffeeshops, wine bars, bakeries, and eateries. It’s also a lovely place to shop. Yes, there are many tourist shops in its midst, but there are also plenty of opportunities for authenticity, as well.
La Petite Venise
Within Old Colmar, you have Little Venice. Even though Colmar borders on Germany and Switzerland, it has this lovely little part of Old Town that tips its cap to the canals of Venice.
With your trinkets in hand – and maybe after a stop at one of the bakeries – be sure to stroll along the quai de la Poissonnerie as you listen to the water splashing, the people chattering, and wonder how many secrets haunt those half-timbered houses.
Église Saint-Martin
From the city center, you can’t miss the soaring arches of St. Martin’s Church. This Gothic masterpiece was built between 1234 and 1365 and the interior will astonish you as much as the exterior.
When the light streams down upon you through its 13th-century stained glass windows, you can’t help but feel touched by an angel. One of the (many) elements to keep an eye out for, once inside, are the seven surviving wood panels from Caspar Isenmann that depict the life of Jesus.
Musée Unterlinden
One of the greatest works of art to come out of St. Martin’s Church is the Isenheim Altarpiece. It’s now proudly on display in this must-see museum. Sculpted and painted by two German men, Nikolaus of Haguenau and Matthias Grünewald, this work of art dates all the way back to 1512.
We travel all over the world and seek out lovely sanctuaries like The Louvre but, sometimes, the finest works of art adorn these ancient churches which dapple the cities and countryside of France.
Église des Dominicans
Continuing that theme, it’s also worth stepping inside The Dominican Church. It may not be as decadent as St. Martin’s Church, but it’s statuesque and beautiful in its own right.
And how often do we step in and out of 14th-century buildings in our everyday lives? The work of art that people come here to study is the Virgin of the Rose Bush by Martin Schongaue. What the builders, painters, and sculptors of this time could achieve should never cease to amaze us.
The Village of Hansi and His Museum
The Village of Hansi is located in front of the Maison des Têtes. Featuring the work of Jean-Jacques Waltz, the curators of this museum have managed to escort visitors back in time to the Alsatian village he experienced in the late 1800s, early 1900s.
As you bask in all the beauty, one thing you’ll keep noticing is how well Colmar – and all of Alsace – has been remarkably restored in an effort to maintain its significant splendor.
Avenue d’Alsace
We mentioned the ability to find plenty of non-touristy shops and, if you have a passion for interior design, you have to stop by Avenue d’Alsace. This is a household linen brand filled with Alsatian inspiration.
Bring home a lovely set of tea towels, an apron, a picnic blanket, and more. Located on Grand Street, you’ll find that these are the types of treasures you’ll keep for the rest of your life.
Douceurs et Plaisirs d’Alsace
Like the timber buildings and the glorious canal, another theme you’ll notice throughout Alsace is its picturesque pottery. When you decide you simply need a baking dish or tea set before you leave this enchanted land, Douceurs et Plaisirs d’Alsace is the place to come for authentic Soufflenheim pottery.
While you’re here, if you’d like some gourmet treats to nibble on back at your Airbnb or hotel, you can pick up some treats and a beautiful bottle of wine here, as well. Another stunning shop is Malker – also on Grand Street. Stock up on all the ingredients for an artisanal charcuterie by the canal, as well as deliciously delicate puffed pastry.
L’Artémise
Colmar has a long list of beautiful, dare we say poetic, tea rooms. When you’re ready to slow down and reflect upon all the surrounding splendor, stop by L’Artémise for the smoothest black tea you’ve ever tasted, rounded out by a decadent puffed pastry.
You’ll be able to find this little gem when you’re strolling along the quai de la Poissonnerie in Petite Venise. All their pastries are homemade and, if you can take your teatime treat out on the terrace, it’ll be twice as nice.
Café de la Lauch
Also in Petite Venise, Café de la Lauch is another spot to savor the welcoming ambiance and decadent menu. Here, too, if you can snag a seat on the patio, the perfect plan is this: order a glass of crémant as you take in the stunning views of the surrounding churches and Medieval architecture as you ponder how you can stay here for just a little while longer.
Marché Saint-Joseph
If you’re in Colmar on a Saturday morning, this is the only place to be. Colmarians unite here to carry out their weekly marketing amidst a sea of fresh fruits, veggies, and other delights. Then, with their market bags in-hand, they often stop at a nearby café to enjoy a cup of coffee strong enough for their spoons to stand up in.
If you’re just passing through, take this moment to observe how some cultures continue to preserve such long standing traditions and make room for the things that really matter in life.
Wistub Brenner
Alright, we’ve savored not one, but two tea rooms. Let’s move on to the meat and potatoes. At Wistub Brenner, you can taste many of the flavors of Alsace, including sauerkraut, bibalaskas, and braised pork shank. You’ll instantly love the sound – and the taste – of their motto: “Buy the best from the best and make it simple but good“.
The Covered Market
If you miss the Saturday morning market, fear not. The Covered Market is always there to help you stock up on fresh produce, meat, and cheese. Built in 1865, this beautiful red and orange building is perched right on the edge of Petite Venise.
Today, over 20 merchants are on standby to provide pure olive oil, ripe cheese, and vibrantly-colored produce. You’ll also walk by several cafés where you can sample the dishes of the day. If you’re here on a sunny afternoon, snag a canal-side table, a glass of wine, and watch the world go by.
Fontaine Schwendi
As you’re walking through Old Town, see if you can find Fontaine Schwendi. Take a close look at it and then spin around in a circle and notice the buildings all around.
When you return home, rewatch Beauty and the Beast, and let us know if you think that looks straight from the screen. For everyone who compares Alsace to a fairy tale, they may not even realize just how spot on they are.
Ribeauvillé
We couldn’t leave this riveting region without mentioning Ribeauvillé. Although it’s not in Colmar proper, it is in Alsace, and it stands as one of the oldest Medieval towns in this corner of the country.
Here, you’ll find the majestic ruins of the Three Castles of the Lords of Ribeaupierre. Its main street, Grand-Rue, along with all the neighboring streets, are lined with 15th-century buildings and fountained squares from the Renaissance.
Some of the vineyards in this area have been there since the Middle Ages, if you can believe it. This is definitely a day trip for your walking shoes, so be sure they’re properly broken in. But, you’ll be ever-so-glad you made the journey.
Let Colmar Steal Your Cœur
We really hope you make it to Colmar someday. Whether it’s summertime, when all the buildings are bursting with potted flowers, or Christmastime, when you feel like you’ve stepped into a snowglobe, this place will kiss you on the cheek and steal your heart forever.
Come check out our destination guides for additional ideas on how to expand your journeys throughout France and beyond. Here’s hoping we get to clink our glass of crémant with yours someday!