11 Things to Do in Colmar

Colmar is a French city in the Alsace region, known for its colourful houses and canals reminiscent of Venice. Walking through its streets is like stepping back in time, as each alleyway surprises you with different architectural styles. Its gastronomy awaits you, as do the famous wine routes and places where you can create your own chocolate.

Some people pass up wonderful opportunities, but you can't make that mistake. For example, in Colmar you are very close to the Little Prince Park, where you can see a replica of the Statue of Liberty and visit the home of its creator. In addition, a short distance away you can discover other villages that make up Alsace and that will surprise you.

Colmar is a fascinating city that stands out as the Little Venice of France. It gets its name from its narrow canals surrounded by colourful, half-timbered houses.

Start by walking along the banks of the River Lauch, exploring the Tanners' Quarter, which offers a romantic atmosphere and a colourful, picture-postcard landscape. If you want to take good photographs, head to the Pont de la Rue Turenne, which delights with the reflection of the houses in the water.

Among its narrow streets, you can find the legendary winstubs, known for being taverns with a local atmosphere, and relax with an Alsatian wine in hand or visit the craft shops.

A very interesting and fun option is to book a treasure hunt in Colmar to immerse yourself in its secrets and enjoy a self-guided walking tour. You don't have to worry about a thing, as you'll have an app that will show you clues and riddles to solve. Each test you pass unlocks new coordinates to continue the search at your own pace. Let me tell you a little about the places you might see.

Rue des Marchands

Rue des Marchands is one of those vibrant and charming streets that characterise Colmar. It is also an important commercial hub, perfect for stopping for a while in its cafés or finding souvenirs. Here you will find the famous Pfister House and the Bartholdi Museum, dedicated to Auguste Bartholdi, the designer of the Statue of Liberty in New York.

Place de l'Ancienne Douane

Another essential stop awaits you at Place de l'Ancienne Douane, which will transport you back to the Gothic and Renaissance periods, as its first foundations date back to 1480. During the 15th century, it formed the old Koifhus customs house and was a political, economic and commercial landmark. Its buildings are charming, and at Christmas it is transformed into a rather picturesque market.

Rapp Square

Welcome to the favourite meeting place of the French people living in Colmar. Rapp Square is easily connected to the rest of the city and is where the large winter ice rink is usually set up. If you go with the kids, they're sure to have fun following the movement of the jets of water in the fountain. In the middle, you'll also see a memorial to General Rapp, Napoleon Bonaparte's brave right-hand man.

An unforgettable gastronomic experience awaits you in Colmar, showcasing the culinary traditions of Alsace. Considering that the region has been under French and German control, you can expect an explosion of flavours representing the best of Franco-German fusion.

You can enjoy a veritable feast as you explore the Grand Rue De Colmar, the gastronomic street par excellence where every bite is followed by a sip of wine. You will be fascinated by the taste of French cheeses and you can try foie gras or Bretzel.

Booking a gastronomic tour of Colmar offers you a complete experience with the best of Alsatian cuisine. You will have a range of possibilities, from creating your own chocolate to enjoying various tastings in the city's gastronomic enclaves. These tours are usually conducted by a certified guide who will show you the best places in the city.

As you pass by Choco Story, you may be enveloped by the irresistible aroma of chocolate. Your mouth will water and you'll want to go inside to discover everything it has to offer. I can tell you in advance that it's one of the most entertaining attractions and a paradise for those who are always looking for an excuse to eat something sweet.

In Colmar's world of chocolate, you can discover its history from the cultivation of cocoa to its transformation into bars. You can watch chocolate-making demonstrations by authentic masters and see how chocolates are made. One of my favourite things is that they have a Statue of Liberty sculpted in chocolate.

When you buy tickets for Choco Story, you can enjoy the experience with an audio guide, as well as participate in demonstrations and tastings. Some experiences are not included and can be purchased directly at the museum, such as hot chocolate and workshops to make your own chocolate.

If you enjoy art, be sure to purchase tickets for the Unterlinden Museum. It is an enriching experience that will welcome you with a collection of 3,500 works of art, including some paintings by Picasso. You can also see the legendary Isenheim Altarpiece from the early Renaissance up close.

During your visit, you will encounter ancient artefacts and mosaics, as well as an archaeological collection dating back 7,000 years. This museum was built in a former 13th-century monastery and, although it has undergone some modifications, it is still fascinating to see the interior.

I recommend taking advantage of the audio guide, but please note that there is usually an additional cost. In addition, the museum is divided into temporary and permanent exhibitions.

You may not know this, but the idea for the Statue of Liberty in New York began to take shape in Colmar around 1834, with the birth of its creator, Auguste Bartholdi. Hence, this monument has a direct connection to this charming city, and it is possible to see an impressive replica. Specifically, it is located at the northern entrance to Colmar and is about 12 metres high.

It was a tribute to commemorate the centenary of Bartholdi's death in 2004, as well as to reiterate the close relationship between France and the United States. An interesting fact is that dyed clay was used to imitate patinated copper, so the monument weighs approximately three tonnes.

If you plan to travel to Paris, you can also see a smaller replica on Swan Island.

To save yourself long walks and explore the city from a different angle, you should consider the Colmar tourist train. It is a comfortable way to see the highlights and lose yourself in the alleys of the historic centre.

The train does not have any free stops and you must remain on board for the entire tour, but it is quite entertaining as it offers a 30-minute audio-guided tour. You will see Colmar's canals and the colourful neighbourhood near Petite Venise. You will also pass by several charming squares, museums and monuments.

If you want a compass to explore Colmar, there is nothing better than following the golden triangular plaques engraved with a miniature Statue of Liberty. They are located at the most important points and are easy to recognise because they shine among the cobblestones. They are considered a nod to Bartholdi, and many people use them to design an itinerary that is impossible to miss.

Some of the key locations include:

• Rue des Marchands.
• Place de l'Ancienne Douane.
• St. Martin's Collegiate Church.
• Petite Venise.

If I were you, I would start this historical route at the roundabout where the replica of the statue is located, and end at the Bartholdi Museum to see the sculptor's birthplace.

Colmar has countless picturesque houses that are worth seeing up close. Each one has a story that will captivate you, and I recommend visiting them with a guide or audio guide to understand every detail, as many are closed to the public and you will only be able to see their façades. Among the most famous are the following.

• Maison des Têtes: this is a unique place, known as the House of Heads, as it houses more than 100 sculpted heads. It currently operates as a hotel and restaurant, so access is reserved for those who book one of the experiences.
• Maison Pfister: it has been in the city since 1537 and its façade is decorated with murals depicting biblical scenes. In addition, there are two impressive balconies that can be clearly seen from the street. Unfortunately, access to the interior is restricted.
• Weinhof: if you would like to see a traditional Alsatian-style house, you are in the right place. Its colourful façade can be seen from Rue des Marchands, as there is no access to the interior.

From Colmar, it's quite easy to explore the wonderful villages of Alsace, a region famous for its history, cultural crossroads and picturesque architecture. Its villages share a common charm, but each has something wonderful to offer.

Booking an excursion to the villages of Alsace from Colmar will allow you to pass by streams, see medieval enclaves and reach impressive vineyards. With a guided experience, you won't have to organise transport or the itinerary, just enjoy yourself. Here are the ones you shouldn't miss!

Kayserberg

Kayserberg is one of the most notable villages in Alsace for its half-timbered houses that connect to stunning vineyards. In fact, it is considered an essential stop on a wine route through the region. There are many things to see, but during your visit you will surely be amazed by the fortified bridge over the Weiss River and you won't want to miss the ruins of the Imperial Castle.

Hunawihr

In Hunawihr, you'll find the perfect hideaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Many say it's a fairytale village due to its scenic beauty and the chance to see butterflies in the Jardin des Papillons.

Riquewihr

When you visit Riquewihr, you will find an unforgettable village that will transport you back to the Middle Ages thanks to the aged feel of its streets. In general, its facades look like something out of a postcard, and among its must-see attractions are the Dolder Tower and the local wine cellars.

Ribeauvillé

If you like castles and fantasy stories, you should not miss Ribeauvillé. Here you can see the ruins of three castles hidden among the hills. It also welcomes you with picturesque streets, colourful houses and canals, but with a less crowded atmosphere than Colmar. And, luckily, if you go in July, your visit may coincide with its wine festival.

This historic enclave is known as the "Kingdom of Minstrels" as it was the cultural centre for these musicians and storytellers in the Middle Ages. There are various myths surrounding them and in September the Fête des Ménétriers (musicians' festival) takes place, delighting visitors with parades of floats, people in costume and special events.

Obernai

You should also not miss Obernai, an Alsatian village surrounded by lush vegetation and well known for its Christmas markets, ideal for drinking mulled wine in winter. Here you will find the church of St. Peter and St. Paul, as well as some lively squares.

Turckheim

The villages of Alsace will never cease to amaze you, and in Turckheim you will be amazed by its medieval walls. It is smaller and less popular, but has an undeniable charm. I think it is ideal for enjoying the local atmosphere and visiting the Clock Tower, as well as taking the Night Watch tour, which takes you on a tour of the village at night and is a tradition exclusive to the summer.

Colmar's wines are a fundamental part of its culture, so I recommend enjoying a wine route, the perfect excuse to explore the surrounding area and experience charming vineyards. Most wines come from different parts of Alsace, are white and have a fresh taste. However, you can also find more complex flavours in wines such as Pinot Gris, notable for its peach notes.

You will love the variety of wines on offer, including sparkling alternatives such as Crémant d'Alsace, which is quite similar to champagne. In Colmar, you can find wine tastings in wineries and markets. But I recommend exploring Hunawihr, Riquewihr and Eguisheim, some of the most beautiful villages in France and wine-growing enclaves par excellence.

Being in an unfamiliar city makes it a little difficult to plan your itinerary, as you don't know which wine stops are the most iconic. Booking the Colmar wine route tour allows you to enjoy a selection of the best wineries and visit the nearby villages. You won't have to worry about transport and you'll enjoy the experience with a local guide.

If you want to enjoy a getaway, the picturesque village of Ungersheim is only twenty-five minutes from Colmar. Specifically, I would take the opportunity to visit The Little Prince theme park, which I think is a great place to go with the family.

Most of the attractions revolve around the story by writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and immerse you in his magical world. It is divided into four areas and offers family attractions. Here are the highlights.

• Hot Air Balloons: there are two dedicated to the characters of the King and the Lamplighter, which take you up high to enjoy the Rhine Valley and the Vosges Mountains.
• The South Atlantic: this is a water attraction where you climb into a boat and slide down a ramp at full speed. I recommend wearing clothes that you don't mind getting wet, as you're sure to end up soaked.
• The Aeroplane: this is an experience that recreates the writer's ship.
• Labyrinth: you will have to overcome challenges to find the exit, but don't worry! Along the way, you will have a pleasant encounter with the characters from The Little Prince.
• The Snake: welcome to a thrilling roller coaster that will shake your body with unexpected twists and turns.
• Meteorite B612: travel to the Little Prince's home and discover what it would be like to live on an asteroid.
• Mini Farm: get up close and personal with domestic animals and discover the famous rose from The Little Prince.