One day in Colmar- things to do in the prettiest town in Alsace
When we decided to take a small Eurotrip through Germany and France, we knew that we had to spend at least one day in Colmar, the prettiest town in Alsace. After a lot of research and the challenge of fitting so much in so few days, I came up with the ultimate list of things to do in Colmar. This is valid for spending one day in Colmar, or a few more days as well when you take things slower and enjoy the ride.
I’ve wanted to visit Colmar for ages, especially since it has one of the loveliest Christmas Markets in Europe.
Given the region’s convoluted history, the landscape and architecture don’t change much when you cross from Germany to France.
And yet, Colmar is unique in its own way.
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Table of Contents
- Getting to Colmar
- The most romantic things to do in one day in Colmar, France
- Walk the colorful alleys in the Old Town and take as many pictures as you wish
- See the Quai de la Poissonerie
- Take a boat trip in “Little Venice”
- Wine tasting and vineyards
- Taste some local food and sweets
- Take a ride on the tourist train
- Visit the Covered Market in Colmar
- Visit one of the many museums
- Go for the Christmas Market
- Buy French souvenirs
- Explore the nearby towns
- When to visit Colmar
- Where to stay in Colmar
Getting to Colmar
We drove to Colmar from Strasbourg, where we spent the night after exploring one of the European Union’s capitals. Yeah, we have four of those, in addition to the 27 member states’ capitals. The more, the merrier, I always say 🙂
Speaking of driving, if you plan to rent a car, use Discover Cars. It can help you save up to 70%, and they have a flexible cancellation policy, just in case. Get your best offers here!
If you are coming to Colmar from Paris, you can take the high-speed train and arrive in less than 2.5 hours.
Basel, Zurich, Stuttgart, Luxembourg, and Freiburg are other places from which you can visit Colmar by train, bus, or car.
Getting to Colmar by plane? The nearest airports are the Strasbourg Airport and the Basel Airport. Both of them are connected to Colmar by train.
The most romantic things to do in one day in Colmar, France
Let me start by saying that the drive itself was amazing, offering incredible views over the French hills. On your way, you can stop by and visit some of the most famous French landmarks.
Leaving Strasbourg behind, we encountered hilltop castles, quaint villages, and vineyards as far as the eye could see. We stopped where possible and explored some of them.
Eventually, we arrived at our destination. Here are some things to do when in Colmar.
Walk the colorful alleys in the Old Town and take as many pictures as you wish
Allow yourself to get lost! The old town is not so large, and nothing bad will happen.
In fact, in Colmar, we encountered some of the nicest people. They even waited for us to take that perfect picture and smiled while doing so.
That’s how you will find some of the most romantic, pretty streets and corners of this small village. Some of the most colorful buildings you’ve ever seen will charm you and will make you want more.
There’s no wonder why this place is such an Instagram popular location!
See the Quai de la Poissonerie
Little Venice and the Fisherman’s Village are perhaps some of the most popular things to see in Colmar and Eastern France. Once you get there, you will understand why.
Most of the pictures in this post were taken on this narrow street along the river. Its name denotes that most of Colmar’s fishermen and boatmen lived here.
In 1706, a huge fire destroyed more than forty houses in the district, but luckily, they were restored and can now be admired by millions of visitors every year.
I don’t exaggerate when I say that it will be almost impossible to take a picture without crowds around you, especially in August when we visited.
Take a boat trip in “Little Venice”
The Little Venice of Colmar is situated on the Lauch River that passes through the town. It reminded me of the picturesque villages we have visited in the Netherlands.
This district starts behind the Koïfhus, goes through the Fishmonger’s District, and to the bridges Turenne and Saint-Pierre.
You can take a boat trip on the river because admiring a town from a boat is always a great idea. If, however, you don’t have the time or don’t want to wait in line for long, sipping a glass of local wine at one of the riverside terraces is always a great option.
Wine tasting and vineyards
One of the first things that come to mind when thinking about France is, of course, wine. At least that’s how I am!
For that reason, one thing you must promise to do is try out the local Crémant D’Alsace. “Crémant” is the French term for traditional-method sparkling wines made outside Champagne.
Champagne is mostly made from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay under strict guidelines. Most Crémant d’Alsace is made from sprightly, crisp Pinot Blanc, even though Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir grapes are allowed.
We couldn’t have left Colmar without drinking a glass (or two) of this delicious wine.
Right in the heart of the city, is where you’ll find plenty of local wine options. And you can drink your glass together with locals or tourists alike while admiring the colorful surroundings.
Another great experience to have when you visit Colmar for more than just one day is to explore the Alsace Wine Route.
Rent a bike or take your car along the Wine Route, starting out from Marlenheim, passing through the Cleebourg vineyards, and ending your journey in Thann. The region produces no less than fifty-one wines.
Taste some local food and sweets
When it comes to visiting France, they usually say you should never go without tasting the local cuisine.
I must admit I’m not enthusiastic about French food unless we are talking about sweets, cheese, and croissants. Another thing I don’t like in France is the coffee. I know! It is the country most associated with cafes.
Still, try it before you judge it!
On this note, one of the things to do in Colmar is brunch or lunch at L’atelier de Yann. I was pleasantly surprised. And I couldn’t leave without taking home a box of the most incredible biscuits I’ve ever had in my life!
Take a ride on the tourist train
A scenic train ride is a perfect way to relax and learn new things about the Alsatian town and its history.
There are two train options: the Green Train and the White Train. Each ride takes about 35 minutes, and at the end of it, you will surely know more about Colmar than before.
Visit the Covered Market in Colmar
We passed by it by chance since it is really close to the most popular area in town and decided to take a look.
I know I’ve said I don’t like French food (don’t throw tomatoes at me!), but one of the things I love most in the world is cheese. And the type of dry-cured sausage they have there.
The Covered Market is where you will find all of these: tens, if not hundreds, of types of cheese as far as the eye can see, many traditional dishes, vegetables, fruit, and so much more.
Visit one of the many museums
The Unterlinden Museum is located in a 13th-century convent, and the Hansi Village Museum is where you will discover the city of Colmar in the lifetime of the famous artist Jean-Jacques Waltz.
And if you’re looking for something less conventional, head to the Toy Museum, where you are free to act and feel like a kid. Or the Choco-Story Colmar if you haven’t seen the one in Brussels yet.
Go for the Christmas Market
The Christmas Market in Colmar might be one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in the world. Or at least one of the most photogenic and photographed.
The colorful buildings become even more colorful, and the never-ending stalls with mulled wine and gingerbread lure you to try as much as you can.
If you want to experience this wonderful time of the year in the village of Alsace, plan your trip between the end of November and the end of December.
Buy French souvenirs
The first shop we set foot in was an amazing place filled with all kinds of natural beauty products. I could not help but buy a few soaps made from natural ingredients to take home.
The hardest decision was which one to take because all of them smelled so good and were so beautifully wrapped. They also have products made with donkey milk, honey, lavender, and so much more.
You can always come back home with a bottle of local wine, handmade wooden little things, or cheese.
Explore the nearby towns
As you might imagine, Colmar is not the only beautiful village in Alsace; it is just the most famous. When you have more time to spend in the area, there are plenty of options to explore.
Riquewihr, Eguisheim, Mulhouse, Obernai, and Mont Sainte-Odile are only a few places you can blend into a week in Alsace itinerary.
When to visit Colmar
If you don’t like the cold and the Christmas Market is not top of your list, I would suggest visiting the region during Spring or Autumn.
However, I urge you to reconsider and go to Colmar in December because there’s no other place in the world as lovely as this place during the Christmas Market season (late November to late December).
It is the time when Colmar is flooded by tourists. However, I think it is totally worth it for such an amazing one-in-a-lifetime experience. This coming from a Grinch.
If you come in the summer, especially in August, keep in mind that it is vacation season in most of Europe, including France.
Add millions of Europeans to the millions of overseas tourists, and you get the picture: heaving crowds sweltering in the heat.
Also, if most people are on vacation, some shops and restaurants might be closed in August. Yes, it is tourist season, but personal comfort is more important to many Western Europeans than increased revenue for their businesses. Who can blame them?
Where to stay in Colmar
Since the town is so small and torn from a fairytale, it would be a pity not to spend at least one night here. I know we are focusing on spending one day in Colmar, but that could also mean spending the night, right?
I’m sorry we were in a hurry, but when I go back, I will surely take much more time to explore the region and stay in the beautiful old town of Colmar.
But since you now know better, here are a few accommodation options to consider when planning your Colmar itinerary.
Colmarappart Rue Des Clefs. They have simple, modern, airy apartments in the heart of Colmar. Check out the best prices here!
Novotel Suites Colmar Centre combines the comfort of a stay at a chain hotel with the authenticity of the area. See their rooms here!
Hotel Le Marechal – Les Collectionneurs. It can’t get more authentic than this! This is such an elegant accommodation. Book your stay here!
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