Colmar - Discovering France

Travelling to Colmar

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Colmar, a pretty good destination in France (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Colmar and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Colmar, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through France, here's everything to know about Colmar for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Colmar

Colmar is a picturesque town located in the northeast region of France, specifically in the Alsace region. With a population of approximately 70,000, it is renowned for its well-preserved old town, which is filled with half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. The town is also known for its numerous canals and bridges, which have earned it the nickname "Little Venice." Colmar features a variety of museums, including the Unterlinden Museum, which contains an extensive collection of medieval and Renaissance artwork. Additionally, the town is located near the vineyards of the Alsace wine region, making it a popular destination for wine lovers. The best time to visit Colmar is during the summer months, when warm temperatures and sunny weather make it perfect for exploring the town and surrounding areas.

What to visit in Colmar

1. Little Venice: Little Venice is one of most picturesque districts of Colmar. This district is known for its charming old-world architecture and canals which are lined with colorful, half-timbered houses. It's a great place for a scenic stroll and to take photos.
2. Colmar Museum of Unterlinden: The Colmar Museum of Unterlinden is located in a former 13th-century Dominican convent. The museum contains many pieces of artwork, including a winged masterpiece of the Virgin by Martin Schongauer, a beautiful Isenheim altarpiece, and pieces by other famous artists such as Hans Baldung Grien and Lucas Cranach.
3. Église Saint-Martin: Église Saint-Martin is a gothic-style church located in the heart of Colmar. This church is particularly famous for its impressive stained-glass windows, including one designed by Marc Chagall.
4. Musée Bartholdi: The Musée Bartholdi is dedicated to the work of Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, the famous sculptor who designed the Statue of Liberty. The museum features many of Bartholdi's original models and drawings, as well as some of his other famous works.
5. Tanners’ Quarter: The Tanners’ Quarter is the oldest district of Colmar and is named after the tanners who used to operate there. The quarter is characterized by narrow streets, small bridges and half-timbered houses that were once used as workshops.
6. Koïfhus: Koïfhus is a gothic-style building that used to be a customs house and warehouse. Today, it houses the tourist office. The building features an impressive roof with turrets and sculptures depicting traditional trade.
7. Marché couvert de Colmar: The Marché couvert de Colmar is a covered market located in a mid-19th century building. The market sells fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and many other local products. It's a great place to shop for souvenirs as well.
8. House of Heads: The House of Heads is a beautifully preserved 16th-century building with more than 100 heads carved into its façade. The elaborate sculpture is thought to represent different members of society, including soldiers, politicians, and tradespeople.
9. Natural History Museum and Ethnography of Colmar: The Natural History Museum and Ethnography of Colmar houses a vast collection of natural curiosities, including fossils, rocks, and minerals, as well as exhibits on local customs and traditions.
10. Unterlinden Garden: Unterlinden Garden is a beautiful garden located beside the Colmar Museum of Unterlinden. The garden features many different species of plants and flowers, and it's a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic after touring the museum.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in France, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Colmar.

When to go on holiday to Colmar

The best time to visit Colmar is during the months of April, May, September, and October when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are fewer. During these months, temperatures range from around 10 to 20°C, and the flowers are in bloom making the city even more picturesque. June, July, and August are also popular months to visit, but they are also the peak tourist season, which can lead to crowds and higher prices. The winter months can be quite cold and temperatures can drop below freezing, but it can also be a magical time to visit with the Christmas markets and festive decorations.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Colmar

There are several ways to get to Colmar, France. Here are the most common options: 1. By plane: The nearest airport to Colmar is the EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, located about 45 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to Colmar.
2. By train: Colmar has a train station with direct connections to Paris, Strasbourg, and other cities in France and Europe. You can check train schedules and buy tickets on the websites of the SNCF or Deutsche Bahn.
3. By car: Colmar is located near the A35 motorway, which connects Strasbourg and Mulhouse. You can rent a car at the EuroAirport or in Colmar.
4. By bus: There are several bus companies that offer connections to Colmar from other cities in France and Europe. You can check bus schedules and buy tickets on websites like Flixbus or Eurolines.
I hope this information helps you plan your trip to Colmar!
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Colmar, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Colmar

Here are some typical foods of Colmar, France with a short description for each: 1. Tarte flambée: A thin, crispy pizza-like dish made with a bread dough crust and topped with bacon, onions, and cream.
2. Choucroute garnie: A regional specialty, this dish consists of sauerkraut served with a variety of meats such as smoked pork loin, sausages and ham hocks.
3. Munster cheese: A strong-smelling cheese made from raw milk, produced in the Alsace region. It is creamy and has a pungent, spicy flavour.
4. Coq au Riesling: A traditional Alsatian chicken dish made with Riesling wine, bacon, mushrooms and onions.
5. Baeckeoffe: A hearty casserole made with potatoes, onions, carrots, and a variety of meats such as pork, lamb, and beef.
6. Kugelhopf: A light, dry cake-like bread made with yeast, raisins, almonds, and flavored with kirsch.
7. Bretzel: A typical Alsatian pastry snack that is similar to a pretzel, usually coated with salt.
8. Gewurztraminer wine: A sweet white wine that is produced in the region around Colmar.
You can find general info about typical foods in France here.

Is Colmar an expensive destination for tourists?

Colmar, like many places in France, can be expensive for tourists due to its popularity and high demand. Prices for accommodation, dining, and activities tend to be higher during peak travel seasons, such as summer and holidays. However, there are ways to save money, such as staying in a budget-friendly hotel or hostel, dining at cheaper local restaurants or cooking your own meals, and using public transportation or walking instead of taking taxis. It's important to research prices and plan ahead to make the most of your budget while enjoying your trip to Colmar.

Where to find accomodation in Colmar

The best areas to find accommodation to visit Colmar, France are the Old Town (Vieille Ville), Little Venice (Petite Venise), and the area surrounding the train station (Gare de Colmar). These areas offer convenient access to the main attractions, restaurants, and shops in Colmar. The Old Town has a charming atmosphere with its colorful half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, while Petite Venise allows you to experience the city's canals and waterways. Moreover, staying near the train station gives you easy access to other cities in the region as well.
You can check hotel prices at Colmar here:
Booking.com

Is Colmar a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Colmar is generally considered a safe place for tourists. Like any tourist destination, it's always a good idea to take precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and keeping an eye on your belongings, but overall, Colmar is a peaceful and charming town. The crime rate in Colmar is low and the local authorities work to ensure the safety of visitors. Just be sure to follow basic safety practices and you should have a pleasant and safe experience in Colmar.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in France here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Colmar.

What type of travelers will enjoy Colmar the most?

Colmar is a charming city in France that can be enjoyed by a variety of travelers. It is an ideal destination for history and culture enthusiasts, architecture admirers, and foodies. The city is known for its picturesque half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and quaint bridges, which makes it perfect for romantic getaways and solo travelers looking to explore the city's beautiful scenery. At the same time, Colmar also offers fun activities, such as wine tasting tours, cycling along the vineyards, and outdoor activities like hiking. These activities make it a suitable destination for adventurous young people.
Additionally, Colmar's family-friendly atmosphere and excellent children's facilities make it a great destination for families with kids. The city has a variety of parks and gardens, and also a small zoo, making it a perfect destination to enjoy with kids. Overall, Colmar is an excellent destination for all types of travelers, including couples, young people looking for fun, and families.

How to get around Colmar

In Colmar, you can easily move around the city by walking, cycling, taking public transportation (bus or train), or using taxis. The city center is compact and pedestrian-friendly, so walking is a great option to explore the old town, while cycling is a good way to cover more distance. Public transportation is affordable and convenient, with several bus routes and a train station that connects Colmar to other French cities. Taxis are also available, although they can be more expensive than other options.

What to see around Colmar

Here are a few suggestions for day trips from Colmar: 1. Strasbourg - The capital of Alsace and famous for its cathedral, Christmas markets, and beautiful half-timbered houses. It's just an hour away by train or car.
2. Riquewihr - A picturesque medieval village known for its wine and traditional architecture. You can take a short train ride or drive to this charming town.
3. The Vosges Mountains - This mountain range offers excellent hiking trails, beautiful scenery, and villages with traditional Alsatian charm. You can drive or take a bus to explore the region.
4. Eguisheim - Another picturesque village known for its beautiful flowers, narrow streets, and wine. It's only a 15-minute drive from Colmar.
5. Mulhouse - A city known for its museums and industrial heritage. You can visit the exceptional Cité de l'Automobile museum or the Cité du Train museum, both offering great insight into the history of automobile and trains. It's approximately a 45-minute drive or train ride from Colmar.
6. Basel - A Swiss city located on the Rhine River, known for its museums and art galleries. It's around a 1-hour drive or train ride from Colmar. I hope this helps you plan your day trip from Colmar!
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