Top 10 Things to Do in Colmar, France

Top 10 Things to Do in Colmar, France

Colmar is linked to the largest French and European cities either directly or by changing trains. The train station is close to the old town of Colmar, and after a short walk, you can reach it on foot.

How to get around Colmar

In Colmar, you will most likely just visit the old town – and the good news is that Colmar is so small that walking is the best way to get around.

Located in the French region of Alsace, close to Germany and Switzerland, Colmar is the perfect  getaway for architecture, art, food, and wine lovers alike.

Colmar is situated along the foothills of the Vosges Mountains. The endless vineyard and mountain landscapes of the region beg to be discovered. 

From a historical perspective, Colmar and the entire Alsace region are extremely fascinating. First mentioned in the 9th century, the city of Colmar was declared a free imperial city in 1226 by the Holy Roman Emperor. After adopting the Protestant Reformation, the city was conquered by Swedish troops during the Thirty Years’ War.

However, Colmar’s modern history doesn’t really begin until 1673 when the French conquered the city. After the creation of Germany in 1871, the entire Alsace region, including the city of Colmar, were claimed by the Germans.

The city remained German until it was given back to the French after WWI (although President Wilson strongly advocated for the entire region of Alsace to be a self-ruling region). The Germans occupied, although never officially annexed, Alsace during WWII and the region was returned to France after WWII. While Alsace has been French now for 70 years, the architecture and food of the region still pays homage to its German past.

1. Wine tours

Wine Tour By Missvain Wikimedia Commons

Alsace’s cuisine is based around the local wines. Experience stunning landscapes laid out before you, as you enjoy fabulous wine tastings with intimate encounters and cellar door experiences with the people who produce it.   Embark on a wine tour and enjoy accompanied wine tastings and wine cellar visits at some very impressive wineries.

2. Visit Little Venice

ColmarFrance By Xiyang Xing Wikimedia Commons

“Little Venice,” this street is lined with brightly-colored, half-timbered houses. And looks like something out of a fairy tale. It used to be a trading and market area used by market gardeners, fishmongers, butchers, and tanners. 

Because the city was relatively untouched and undamaged during the two World Wars, the entire old city is well-preserved. Spend some time wandering around the hidden corners and streets of “little Venice”

Taking a Colmar canal tour is the best way to see the beautifully decorated homes along the river

3. Walk through Old Town Colmar

Old Town Colmar By Tizianok Wikimedia Commons

Following the Colmar free walking tour trail is one of the best things to do in Colmar to get acquainted with the city. Walk through the  Tourist Trail that serve as a Self-Guided Colmar Walking Tour. The signposted trail leads visitors in a 6.1km loop around the city (estimated time: 2.5 hours). 

Simply follow the golden triangles ( they have Lady Liberty carved on them) leading to  Colmar sights. Each Colmar attraction features a plack of interesting information providing a history of Colmar, France.

Colmar Fun Fact: Artist Auguste Bartholdi – better known as the man who created the Statue of Liberty – was born in Colmar in 1834. As a result, Lady Liberty appears throughout the city.

4. Colmar Cathedral

St Martin Colmar By – Tizianok Wikimedia Commons

The impressive spire of St. Martin’s Church, or Collegiale Saint-Martin, can be seen from many points around town, but it’s worth a look up close – at both the embellishes façade and the impeccably decorated interior. 

5. Pfister House

Maison_Pfister By Wikinade – Wikimedia Commons

The Pfister house was built in 1537 for the hatter Ludwig Scherer, who made his fortune with money trading in the Val de Liepvre. Despite its medieval features, the house is the first example of architectural renaissance in Colmar. With its two-storey corner oriel, its wood gallery, its octagonal turret and its mural paintings which represent biblical and secular scenes, the Pfister house became one of the symbols of the old Colmar. It owns its name to the family who restored it and lived there from 1841 to 1892.

6. House of Heads

house of heads By PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ Wikimedia Commons

Built in 1609 for the shopkeeper Anton Burger, the house of heads is attributed to the architect Albert Schmidt, who also made the former protestant presbytery and the house of the St. John’s Knights. The house of heads, a fine building dating from the German renaissance, owes its name to the 106 heads or grotesque masks that decorate a rich façade on which stands also a three-storey bay window. The gable of the building is decorated with volutes and the statue of a cooper, sculpted in 1902 by Auguste Bartholdi, who responded to an order of the wines Exchange that had moved into the building in 1898. The house of heads has been restored in 2012.

7. Customs House

Customs House colmar By Gzen92Wikimedia Commons

Once the center of business and politics, the Customs House (or Koifhus) was built in 1480. The first floor served as a warehouse, market and customs office for hundreds of years.

8. Relax at the Esplanade in Metz

Esplanade-metz By Fissunix Wikimedia Commons

Enjoy a relaxing day at the Esplanade, it’s the perfect escape from the urban bustle. This peaceful green space with its gorgeous landscaping and gardens is an oasis in the heart of the city. It sits along the Moselle River, which makes for a perfect setting for a day of relaxation.

9. Tanner’s District

Tanner’s District By Getty images

The Tanner’s District dates to the 17th and 18th centuries – and is where tanners (people who tan animal hides) lived. Their tall, half-timbered houses were designed to allow animal pelts to hang and dry in the open air on the upper floors of the homes.

10. Fishmonger’s District

Fishmonger District_By fotogoocom Wikimedia Commons

Once home to fishermen, the Fishmonger’s District features a colorful rainbow of half-timbered houses along the Lauch River (which we think is the prettiest street in Colmar!).

Tip: Want to learn the history of Colmar from a local guide? Book a 2-hour guided Colmar Walking Tour.

Being in the middle of the Alsace Wine Region, drinking the locally produced wine should be on every Colmar itinerary. Most of the wine in Alsace is white, including variations such as Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. Pinot Noir is the sole red wine in Alsace. Local wine is available at every café and restaurants and  the grocery stores. 

Colmar is a walkable city…but only if you have the right shoes! Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable walking shoes for your trip. And don’t forget your camera!