2024 Colmar Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)

Fountains and ancient churches

#myhiddengems There often tends to be that question among travellers headed to the Alsatian region. Should they do Strasbourg or Colmar? I think i might be able to answer that because i visited both those places and explored them for two nights each. Straight up, if you have the time I would recommend both the towns. And if you were to pick, you see that should depend on what you seek from the destination. Strasbourg is a more lively city with a rich history and dynamic culture. While my personal favourite would be Colmer for its slow paced life, serene landscapes, charming architecture and excellent wine. Mostly, i recommend the Alsace region because it is way more value for money like in the case of Colmar. I spent a lot less and did equally or more things compared to other regions. The friendly locals are a relief too. In terms of sightseeing, broadly what you'd be looking at is the Old Town & Place de la Cathédrale, Little Venice, boat trip and the krutenau street and Quai de la Poissonnerie. #myhiddengems #alsace #colmar #summerdestinations #europe #france #100waysoftravel #solotrip #cherryblossom2024 #singapore

A French fairy tale town, it's like stepping into Howl's Moving Castle

✨A French fairy tale town, it's like stepping into Howl's Moving Castle✨ 🪄When you see the town in this picture, do you feel a sense of déjà vu? If you are familiar with Hayao Miyazaki's work 'Howl's Moving Castle', then this scene will not be unfamiliar to you😉. Remember when Sophie was walking alone on the path, being teased by two soldiers, and Howl descended from the sky like a hero🕺, with blond hair and blue eyes, wearing a cloak, appearing beside Sophie. He took Sophie dancing in the air above the town, lightly stepping over the rooftops, overlooking the entire town, everything was dreamily beautiful💕. 👧The most impressive to me was the scene where they danced in the air🎈, those rows of pointed timber-framed houses, scattered in an orderly fashion, looking down from above, both romantic and spectacular🎆. And this scene is not a figment of Grandpa Miyazaki's imagination, its prototype is the town of Colmar on the Alsace Wine Route in France! Compare the pictures, isn't it almost identical😲! Those timber-framed houses are just like two peas in a pod! Here, it seems that you can see Howl carrying Sophie flying over the rooftops🕊️! 🏡Over the past millennium, the Alsace region has changed hands between France and Germany several times, its history is an epic of German-French contradictions and integration📚. Speaking of Alsace, does it feel familiar to you🤔? Let's read the text below together and see if it can evoke fragments of your memory📃: 'After the grammar lesson, we started the handwriting class📝. That day, Mr. Hamel gave us new copybooks, all with beautiful round script: 'France' 'Alsace' 'France' 'Alsace'. These copybooks hung on the iron rods of our desks, like many small national flags fluttering in the classroom🚩. Everyone was so focused, the classroom was unbelievably quiet🎵!' 'The Last Lesson' cast a melancholic and solemn hue over Alsace😢. But in fact, before the 17th century, the Alsace region belonged to the Holy Roman Empire (the predecessor of Germany), and people mainly spoke German📄. After the famous Thirty Years' War in Europe, Alsace came under French rule. And in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, France was defeated, and Alsace belonged to Prussia, until Germany was defeated in World War II, Alsace returned to the arms of France💪, and formed the current border between the two countries along the Rhine River🗺️. 📖If cities can also be mixed-race, then Colmar is undoubtedly a beautiful town with German-French mixed blood🌸. Carefully calculated, this place belonged to Germany for a longer time than it belonged to France. This also explains why Colmar's architectural style is full of Germanic charm🏰, those timber-framed houses and the magnificent Gothic churches with pointed spires all bear strong Germanic marks🎨, as well as many street names with German suffixes and the dialect mixed with German and French, all have a reasonable explanation🤝. ✨Colmar also has many attractions worth visiting🎡, such as the Little Venice area, where the waterways crisscross, and the colorful timber-framed houses are reflected in the water, picturesque🖼️; there is also the Unterlinden Museum, which displays the rich history and culture of the Alsace region📜; and the Saint Martin Church, whose towering spires and exquisite carvings are awe-inspiring👏. Come to Colmar and experience the unique charm of this fairy tale town💖!

Beautiful boutique shops around Colmar

🛍️ ✈️ Colmar is a beautiful town in the north eastern France, near Germany’s border. I love all the well-reserved buildings in the old town. Housing in these buildings are beautiful boutique shops and restaurants where you can get something unique originating from this Alsace area. Even the souvenir shops are so cute with many handcrafted gift representing Colmar. #shopandtrip

Colmar. definitely worth the visit

When I first read about the fairytale village of Colmar, I knew I had to visit. Located in the Alsace region along the border between France and Germany, Colmar is known for its colorful houses and the cutest Christmas market. Wandering the streets of Colmar is like stepping into a fairytale. It is said that it was the inspiration for Beauty and the Beast, and there is even a fountain that looks like the one in the movie.

The Town Of Alsace - A old medieval village

Eguisheim, a town right after Colmar, like a 10mins drive is another medieval village in the popular Alsace wine region. You will be able to against see the cobbled streets but the difference here are the really narrow streets with the well mantaoned timber houses at each side of the street reminding me of Italy or like games like counter strike where there are so many narrow allies everywhere. As now in August - September fall period the weather is perfect, dry crisp air, no rain, making every spot a perfect photoshot especially when the sun shines into the town at a angle. And of course if you are a wine lover, so visit one of the many wines located all around Eguisheim as you will notice there are many vineyards located outside of this quiet little town. At night, when the sun sets, the streets light up make this another picture perfect spot where the canels reflects the lights and the medieval buildings making this also one instaworthy romantic scenic photo spot! #fallingforfall #medieval #france #town #oldtown #wineyard #eguisheim

The most imposing Gothic church in Alsace

Erected from 1235 on the site of a previous building, this collegiate church is the most imposing Gothic church in Middle Alsace. The south facade of the transept, with the Saint Nicolas portal, is the finest part. The strange roofing of the tower replaces a spire which collapsed following a fire in 1572. As the seat of the constitutional bishopric of the Haut-Rhin district during the French revolution, Saint Martin had cathedral status during that period. The church’s silhouette, with its single bell tower, is particularly recognisable from neighbouring districts. It’s extremely beautiful inside too. Look carefully at the amazing stained glass panels and the 2 large organs at the marvelous altar here. #bucketlistreboot

The fairy-tale town with beautiful houses

At the heart of the Alsace Wine Route, Colmar is very well located and while it may not be the capital of Alsace, it remains one of its top tourist destinations. The Colmar Little Venice district in the old town gathers colourful half-timbered houses neatly lining cobblestone streets and walkways, set along a peaceful canal. The name “Little Venice” generally refers to a particular spot in the center. It is an old and picturesque area where the canals that cross the city are concentrated. Here every house has a different color and visitors are immersed in a fairy-tale world. #bucketlistreboot

A charming town in Alsace region

Nestled among vineyards, its traditional houses, canals, floral displays, amazing cuisine, famous wines and charming accommodation make Colmar an outstanding microcosm of Alsace – showcasing its lifestyle, conviviality and hospitality – the key features of its unique, exceptional welcome. The capital of the Alsacian wines, situated near Germany and Switzerland between the Vosges and the Rhine, Strasbourg and Mulhouse, offers visitors an exciting glimpse of 1000 years of European history. Besides, with its 67,000 inhabitants, Colmar retains a 'country town' atmosphere which contributes so much to its charm. Wonderfully preserved from the ravages of time, its homogenous historical centre is classed as a 'protected area' and has benefited from careful restoration and ongoing improvements for more than 20 years. #eurotrip

Au Revoir, Colmar 💗

Saying goodbye to this beautiful and romantic city. I love to stroll around this place. Colmar, France. Full of historical and architechtural colonial buildings. The people are very nice but beware of pick pocket! Romantic city it is. The still water and houses make my mind at ease. Difficult to part ways, holiday here feels end so fast. You should come and visit this place! Next time I should visit again with my partner. For now, au revoir, Colmar! Good bye, Colmar! See you again soon (I hope!) 🤗 #createwithtrip #france #beautifulcity #romanticcity #urbanexplorer #discovereurope #exploreeurope

Colmar, the small French city where Miyakazi Hayao got inspiration for one of his greatest work Hawl's moving castle from! I personally love Studio Ghibli's animation, especially Hawl's moving castle, also I love French region Alzas for its history and food so this was the perfect destination for me. If you are a big fan of Hawl too, check out Colmar! You will picture Hawl and Sophie walking in the air together at the start of the movie, it's that similar and absolutely stunning! #givethanks #movietravel #givethanks

In fact, before the Chinese restaurant was broadcast, Colmar was very famous in France and won the title of the most beautiful town in France. And because this is the prototype of Hayao Miyazaki's cartoon "Hal's Moving Castle", it attracts tourists from all over the world. The town can take a small train tour, mainly to see the "small canal", "church", "under the Bodhi tree library" and the characteristic "ribs house". The town is not big, but it takes a day to go shopping. The town of Colmar is now dominated by tourism, which is full of shops and restaurants. In Colmar in December, the weather is very cold, but the town full of Christmas atmosphere is very lively. Many merchants will have special promotions, and everyone will decorate their own window like a game. At night, come for a glass of mulled wine and watch the Christmas market under the lights. I really feel happy!

Experience the charm of France's small towns | Colmar.

| Colmar. 📖Colmar is a charming and romantic town that is very popular with the public. It is located in the east of the Alsace region in northeastern France, just a few kilometers from the German border. 🌈Colmar's unique Alsatian architecture, ancient canals, special bridges, and famous half-timbered houses are all very attractive. I love the multi-faceted roofs made of wood, each with a different shape. The houses in the town are colorful, and each has wooden windows and balconies decorated with geraniums. Every household has bright flowers and trees on their windowsills. ⌚️Due to time constraints, I didn't have time to explore in depth. After a quick visit, I drove for ten minutes to Eguisheim, the most beautiful town in France. It is located about 6 to 7 kilometers southwest of Colmar and is a famous vineyard area in the Alsace region, known as the "cradle of Alsatian wine." 🪵Eguisheim was built in the Middle Ages, and the buildings in the town still retain a strong medieval flavor, telling mysterious ancient stories. Since 2003, Eguisheim has been rated as "the most beautiful town in France." In 2013, Eguisheim was rated as "the most popular town in France." The two towns can be visited together, each with its own characteristics, and it can save time.

France have another Romantic Town named Colmar. 🇫🇷

#europetrip Different from the scenery of big cities in Europe, the small town of Colmar in France is more like a mini fairy tale world. This is the place where Sophie and Hal meet in Hayao Miyazaki's Moving Castle, and the hometown of Baltoldi, the author of the Statue of Liberty. The architectural soul of the whole town is a wooden house built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Cut the wood neatly and build it into a wooden frame. The connection of the wooden strips does not need a nail. After setting up the shelf, the mixture of soil and grass stem is filled into the wall. Finally, the wall is coated with bright colours such as pink, grass green, sky blue, jujube red, etc., which has both the beauty of German lines and the unique romantic colours of France. The brightly coloured wooden tendon house is like a palette next to the clear river. Because it is very watery, the southeast corner is called "Xiaowei" Nice. In Little Venice, people living here seem to have a natural preference for flowers. Every small bridge, every dock, and every family near the river bank are decorated with flowers. Locals use a flatboat similar to a Venetian gondola as a means of transportation, which is located next to the canal.

Colmar express

It was a quick stop between Strasbourg and Basel, that's why I call it Colmar express (visit), but it was a real life fairytale experience. I was amazed by every second house, by the green decoration everywhere, the charming atmosphere and the great views. The city is very easy to navigate. There are signs with the statue of Liberty 🗽 wich show you the main tourist attractions (just follow the marks). No need to mention the good food and the coffee opportunities around the centre 😊 #100waysoftravel #colmar #france #europetrip

Explore Colmar: A Charming Alsatian Gem

#100WaysOfTravel #historicallandmarks #localguides Getting There Easily accessible by train from Strasbourg or Basel (just 30-45 minutes), Colmar is a picturesque town that feels worlds away. If driving, it’s around 1.5 hours from Zurich and has plenty of parking. Attractions Stroll through La Petite Venise with its canal-side houses or visit the Unterlinden Museum for art treasures. The medieval architecture, colorful facades, and charming streets make every corner Instagram-worthy. Hotels Stay at the elegant Hotel Le Maréchal in Petite Venise or opt for cozy, boutique options like James Boutique Hotel for modern comfort. Food & Restaurants Savor Alsatian flavors at Wistub de la Petite Venise for local specialties like tarte flambée and choucroute, or indulge in Michelin-starred dining at L’Atelier du Peintre. Shopping Wander the quaint streets for unique finds like Alsatian wines, local crafts, and gourmet goodies at shops like Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie. Colmar is the perfect blend of history, charm, and Alsatian warmth!

Quai de la Poissonnerie: Colmar's Hidden Gem

Quai de la Poissonnerie is a must-visit beautiful spot in Colmar. This place features picturesque canals that retain medieval charm, lined with brightly colored buildings that make you feel like you've stepped into a fairy tale. Local shops offer fresh seafood and traditional dishes, making it a perfect destination for food lovers. The scenery along the canal is stunning, making it an ideal spot for photography. In the evening, the area is illuminated, creating a romantic atmosphere, perfect for a visit with your significant other. To truly experience the charm of Colmar, be sure to stop by this location.

Colmar, France

Colmar (French: Colmar, listen, Alsatian: Colmer) is the capital of the Haut-Rhin department in the Alsace region of France. Colmar is located in northeastern France. Colmar is situated on the 'Alsace Wine Route' and is known as the 'capitale des vins d'Alsace' (capital of Alsace wines). Colmar is the birthplace of painter and engraver Martin Schongauer and sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who designed the Statue of Liberty. Colmar is renowned for preserving its old town's architectural and historical atmosphere. The old town features museums, Christian religious sites, and shops and residences that maintain the appearance of a medieval town.

Colmar: A Fairytale Come to Life

#ancienttown Wandering through Colmar feels like stepping into a storybook. This charming Alsatian town enchants with its pastel-colored half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and tranquil canals. Known for its rich wine culture and captivating architecture, it’s the perfect blend of history and beauty. Whether you’re savoring local delicacies or exploring the vibrant markets, Colmar promises an unforgettable journey into France’s magical past. #travel #Colmar #FranceTravel #Alsace #fairytaletown #europeanadventure #wanderlust #bucketlist #historicplaces #PenangHoliao

Colourful Canvas: Rue de la Poissonnerie's Vibrant Charm

#weekendgetaways Rue de la Poissonnerie in Colmar is a visual feast! This charming street, lined with brightly coloured half-timbered houses, is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. As I wandered along the cobblestone path, I was captivated by the intricate wood carvings, ornate facades, and vibrant flower boxes. The street's rich history and lively atmosphere make it a must-visit destination. With its unique blend of art, culture, and whimsy, Rue de la Poissonnerie is a photographer's dream and a traveller's delight. Let the colours and charm of this captivating street leave you enchanted and inspired, just as it did me! A true gem in the heart of Colmar.

Colmar: The Fairytale Village of Alsace

#myhiddengems Colmar, with its cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses, feels like stepping into a storybook. This charming village in the Alsace region of France is a feast for the eyes, with colorful facades, flower-lined canals, and an enchanting atmosphere. Colmar is the perfect hidden gem for those seeking romance and history.

The World's Top Ten Most Beautiful Towns - Colmar, France

In the embrace of Alsace, Colmar is dreamy and resembles a fairy-tale town. Meandering canals wind through the town, with colorful wooden houses reflected in the clear water, as if each building is telling a long history and romantic stories. Colmar has also gained fame for being the filming location of the show 'Chinese Restaurant'.

Colmar Town - Known as the 'Franco-German Hybrid'

Colmar Town is located in the Alsace region of northeastern France, with a long history and unique culture. Its historical background is deeply influenced by both France and Germany, having changed hands multiple times, earning it the nickname 'Franco-German Hybrid'. As early as before the 17th century, Colmar belonged to the predecessor of Germany - the Holy Roman Empire. Subsequently, due to historical events such as the Thirty Years' War, Colmar came under French rule. During the Franco-Prussian War and the two World Wars, Colmar changed rulers multiple times until it finally belonged to France after World War II. Despite the ravages of war, most of Colmar's ancient monuments remain intact, especially the colorful half-timbered houses from the 16th century, which have become the iconic buildings of this city.

Shopping at the Colmar Market in the French Fairy Tale Town

When visiting the French town of Colmar, besides exploring Little Venice, you must visit this century-old market. Many local farmers sell vegetables, fruits, dairy products, as well as wine and desserts. Of course, there are also snacks that pair well with wine, such as cheese and ham. If you're interested in these products, make sure to shop till you drop.

The French town of Colmar—the birthplace of the Statue of Liberty

Colmar is very close to Eguisheim and is an ancient town near the French-German border. The main color tone of this town is the picturesque half-timbered houses, complemented by canal waterscapes, ancient stone arch bridges, and modern iron bridges, all of which are quite remarkable. More notably, an outstanding sculptor was born here, who sculpted the Statue of Liberty in New York, making it the birthplace of the Statue of Liberty. The rich artistic atmosphere and profound cultural heritage inject immortal vitality into this town. Riding a sightseeing train through the streets and alleys of the town feels like entering a fairy tale world untouched by the mundane. The quaint colorful buildings, oddly shaped multi-sloped roofs, majestic churches, castles from Miyazaki's films, exquisite old customs houses, and ancient museums... A narrow canal runs through the town, reflecting its colors on the water surface. The ripples created by flower boats, the occasional falling petals from window displays, all add a touch of delicacy and liveliness to the town. Still unsatisfied, I got off the train and walked along the canal, finally finding the town's earthly charm at the riverside market, with seafood condiments, fruit and vegetable snacks, bread, ice cream... and the friendliness and enthusiasm in people's eyes.

Hayao Miyazaki's animation "Howl's Moving Castle" - Colmar

On July 12, I rested in the room for a day, probably because I walked too much and my feet hurt. On July 13, the 25th day of the European trip, the weather was clear and the temperature was over 20 degrees. I took a train from Strasbourg to Colmar. Colmar is a city in Alsace, northeastern France, and the capital of the Haut-Rhin department. Colmar is also known as the "Venice of France". The environment there is beautiful, and the rustic Alsatian style is perfectly preserved. The "half-timbered houses" are like fairy tale cottages, the red and black Alsatian national costumes, the practical and beautiful Alsatian pottery, the simple Alsatian stew, the small bridges and flowing water, and the clusters of flowers make people linger. The scenes in Hayao Miyazaki's animation "Howl's Moving Castle" were designed based on Colmar. This is one of the most romantic areas, named for its canals and flower boats. The town is full of small wooden houses with Alsatian characteristics, with a unique fairy tale color. Colmar is also the hometown of Bartholdi, the author of the Statue of Liberty in New York. At the roundabout in Colmar, there is a small Statue of Liberty standing, and you can look at the goddess up close from the bus.

Beautiful Christmas-ey Colmar

In December, visit Colmar. This is a very beautiful town with special vibes for Christmas. You can check their lovely Christmas markets, decorations, shops.. Super recommended!

Colmar Cost-Effective Accommodation: The Originals Hotel

📍The Originals City, Hotel Colmar Gare, Colmar 💰Around 100,000 won per night As the hotel name suggests, it's a place to stay near the station A maximum of 10 minutes on foot? 🚘Since Colmar is a small town, it's not far to access places like Little Venice, and it's possible to move around on foot 🥖Breakfast is available for an additional 11 euros on site (the breakfast is not really worth the price... it's not bad to buy something outside) The window locks were secure, so there was no noise despite being in front of the station

Where Howl and Sophie Are: Maison Pfister.

📍Maison Pfister, Colmar, Alsace, France 💬To see the small town of Colmar in the Alsace region, which is said to have inspired Hayao Miyazaki's Maison Pfister is a 16th-century half-timbered house decorated with small towers, terraces, and painted murals, showcasing the unique architectural beauty of the Alsace region. This building is said to have inspired the scene where Howl and Sophie first meet and fly across the town.

It was a memorable trip when I visited Colmar, France last May 2024. #breathtaking

#travelanywhere

Colmar in France is more like a fairy tale world

#europetrip Unlike the scenery of major European cities, the small town of Colmar in France is more like a fairy tale world that confuses you. This is the place where Sophie and Hayou meet in Hayao Miyazaki's mobile castle, due to the hometown of Bartholdi, the author of the Statue of Liberty. Strolling through the fairy tale town of Colmar in Hayao Miyazaki's writings, the architectural soul of the entire small town of Colmar is the wooden tendon houses built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Cut the raw materials neatly and build a wooden frame. The branches of the trees do not need to be connected with a single iron nail. After setting up the frame, fill the wall with a mixture of soil and grass stems, and finally paint the wall with bright colors such as pink, grass green, sky blue, and jujube red, while possessing the beauty of German lines and the unique romantic colors of France. The brightly colored and beautiful wooden arrow house is as clear as a color board next to the river, passing through the most water town style, and the southeast corner is called "Little Winnie Cold".