The best time to visit Colmar
Colmar can be visited all year round, with different atmospheres depending on the season:
- In spring, the flower-bedecked façades bring the colourful streets back to life, making them ideal for a romantic stroll.
- In summer, the city comes alive with music festivals, food markets and outdoor shows.
- In autumn, the surrounding vineyards turn golden, making it the perfect season for a wine-tasting getaway to discover the wines of Alsace.
- In winter, Colmar becomes magical with its Christmas markets, illuminated chalets and the smell of gingerbread.
Day 1: Discover the historic centre and Little Venice
Morning: Stroll through the heart of the old town
Start your day by exploring the historic centre of Colmar, a veritable open-air museum. Each façade tells a story, each cobbled street transports you to another era.
Don't miss the Maison Pfister, a Renaissance gem built in 1537, with its frescoes, corner oriel window and wooden gallery. Continue along Rue des Marchands, where flower-filled balconies and carved signs will transport you back to the Alsace of yesteryear.
Then let yourself be guided to Saint Martin's Church, a 13th-century Gothic masterpiece, which dominates the cathedral square with its majestic silhouette.
Afternoon: Stroll along the canals of Little Venice
After lunch in a traditional winstub, head to Little Venice, Colmar's most picturesque neighbourhood. Its canals lined with flower-bedecked houses, once inhabited by fishermen and market gardeners, offer an unforgettable romantic stroll.
For a total immersion, hop aboard a flat-bottomed boat for a trip along the water. The boatmen, who are true storytellers, will reveal the secrets of this iconic neighbourhood, between Alsatian architecture and local traditions.
Day 2: Cultural treasures and Alsatian delicacies
Morning: Visit to the Unterlinden Museum
Start your second day with a must-see visit to the Unterlinden Museum. Housed in a former 13th-century convent, this museum is home to the famous Issenheim Altarpiece, a masterpiece by Grünewald, as well as a rich collection of modern art with works by Picasso, Dubuffet and Monet. The quiet, flower-filled cloister garden is the perfect place for a peaceful break.
Afternoon: Culture, traditions and delicacies
After lunch at the Marché Couvert, where you can sample local specialities (farmhouse Munster cheese, kougelhopf, foie gras, gingerbread), continue your exploration at the Bartholdi Museum, housed in the birthplace of the creator of the Statue of Liberty. Sculptures, models and personal items immerse you in the world of this Colmar genius.
For families, a stop at the Toy Museum is a must: antique bears, dolls, miniature trains and interactive games will delight young and old alike.
End your afternoon with a stroll through the Tanneurs district, with its tall houses with impressive half-timbering, before treating yourself to a last drink on a terrace.
Where to dine and go out in Colmar?
Colmar is full of welcoming places to enjoy Alsatian cuisine.
- La Table du Brocanteur or Wistub de la Petite Venise: for sauerkraut or baeckeoffe in an authentic setting.
- L'Atelier du Peintre: for a refined gastronomic experience (1 Michelin star).
- Y's, on the quays of Petite Venise, for signature cuisine that blends different regional influences.
In the evening, enjoy a drink in one of the local winstubs, such as Le Cercle des Arômes (natural wines) or Les Incorruptibles (craft cocktails). In summer, enjoy concerts and entertainment on Place Rapp.
Why choose Colmar for a weekend break?
Colmar, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, is easily accessible by train from Strasbourg, Mulhouse or Basel. Its unique atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for a cultural, romantic or gourmet weekend, with beautiful villages, vineyard landscapes and local discoveries.
What to see around Colmar?
The area around Colmar is full of treasures to discover, perfect for rounding off your stay. Set off to explore the famous Alsace Wine Route, dotted with beautiful villages such as Eguisheim, Riquewihr and Kaysersberg, all listed for their exceptional heritage and typical charm. Hike in the Vosges mountains, visit the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle or enjoy an Alsace wine tasting at a local estate. When camping, these getaways are easy to access and offer a wonderful variety of nature, culture and gastronomy.
Where to stay in Colmar?
For an immersion in the heart of Alsace while staying close to nature, choose a campsite around Colmar. Whether you are travelling in a tent, van or mobile home, you are sure to find the perfect spot for you. Comfort, friendliness and fresh air await you in a green setting just a stone's throw from the historic centre. Check out the campsites around Colmar to find the one that suits your travel style, whether you're in a camper van, tent or mobile home.
Ready to succumb to the charms of Alsace? Colmar awaits you for a magical weekend of heritage, flower-filled canals and fine food. And who knows, this first trip could well be the start of a beautiful story with Alsace...