5 Fabulous Things To Do in Colmar, France

We were drawn to Colmar, France by colorful photographs depicting fanciful scenes of half-timbered houses and quaint canals. The weaving cobblestone lanes in the Old Town and cheerful Little Venice seemed to be plucked straight from a fairytale.

Now that we’ve been, we can attest to the fact that Colmar is as pretty as a postcard. Maybe even prettier. We planned three full days of our Alsace Itinerary here, which allowed us plenty of time to experience the Best Things To Do in Colmar, France!

 

Top Colmar, France Things To Do

Our recommendations include city exploration, learning a bit of history, getting out in nature and savoring the cuisine. Visitors can plan their best trip to Colmar using our list of fun activities!

Top Tip: At the end of the article, we include a helpful Colmar sightseeing map. 

 

#1 Explore Colmar Old Town

Travelers wondering what to do in Colmar, France should start their discovery in the Old Town. No question about it, Old Town Colmar is the highlight of the city – and there are several ways to explore it.

You can wander aimlessly, find sights by using a Colmar tourist map, ride the Tourist Train or follow the Tourist Trail. Additionally, those who want to learn about the city from a local guide can book a 1-hour guided Colmar Walking Tour.

 

Tourist Trail to Colmar Attractions 

For our first stroll through town, we opted to follow the Tourist Trail, which serves as a Self-Guided Colmar Walking Tour. The signposted route leads visitors on a 3.75 mile loop (estimated time: 2.5 hours) featuring the best places to visit in Colmar, France.

The trail is outlined on the free Colmar Old Town Map from the tourist office. To be honest – it really wasn’t necessary. Simply follow the golden triangles (embossed with Lady Liberty) to top Colmar sights. Each attraction features a sign (in French and English) with relevant information.

 

Places To Visit in Colmar

We believe following the Colmar free walking tour trail is an ideal way to get acquainted with the city. However, for those preferring to ramble on their own, there are a few Colmar things to see that shouldn’t be missed. We recommend putting the following sights on your Colmar to-do list!

 

Little Venice 

Little Venice in Colmar (La Petite Venise) is the most attractive part of the Old Town. Strolling through the district is one of the top things to do Colmar, France. The narrow and shallow Lauch River flows past brightly painted houses and under arching bridges.

The district is a must see in Colmar and it’s easy to tour on foot. However, taking a Colmar Canal Tour is a unique way to see the impeccably decorated homes along the river!

 

Saint Martin Church

The impressive spire of St. Martin’s Church (Collegiale Saint-Martin) can be seen from many points around town, but it’s worth a look up close. Visitors will want to see both the ornate façade and the incredibly decorated interior. Not to be missed is the 13th century stained glass window in the nave featuring a beardless Christ. 

 

Pfister House

Built in 1537, the lavishly decorated Renaissance-style Pfister House (Maison Pfister) is a must-see in Colmar. Sitting along the charming Rue des Marchands, it features paintings from the Bible, as well as German emperors.

 

House of Heads 

The House of Heads (Maison de Tetes) is another one of the Colmar top attractions. Dating to 1609, the façade is decorated with more than 100 sculptures peering down at the onlookers. It’s a sight to behold!

 

Customs House

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

 

Covered Market Hall

The beautiful brick and wooden Colmar Market Hall building dates to 1865. Perusing the goods at the Marché Couvert is one of the fun things to do in Colmar. In fact, it’s a great place to assemble items for a picnic!

 

Tanner’s District

The Tanner’s District (Quartier des Tanneurs) dates to the 17th and 18th centuries. It 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. No longer the case, the entire district is a Colmar must see sight! 

 

Fishmonger’s District

Once home to fishermen, the Fishmonger’s District features a colorful rainbow of half-timbered houses along the Lauch River on Quai de la Poissonnerie. We think this is the prettiest street in Colmar!

 

Grand Rue

Lovely and inviting, Grand Rue is the main street in town. Strolling the length of the cobblestone thoroughfare is, without a doubt, one of the best Colmar, France things to do! 

 

#2 Hike Through Colmar Vineyards

Colmar – and dozens of other smaller towns – are situated along the foothills of the Vosges Mountains. The stunning vineyard and hillside landscapes beg to be discovered on day trips from Colmar. What better way to explore the regional highlights than on a hike? It’s one of the best things to do around Colmar!

Using the public bus and our own two feet, we were able to visit more of the must see Alsace Region on a Wine Walk. 

Pro Tip: Drivers can visit many of the quaint towns, which are linked together on the Alsace Wine Route. However, we believe trekking from village to village is part of the charm of Colmar!

 

Alsatian Wine Route Walk

North of Colmar, the towns of Riquewihr, Hunawihr and Ribeauville are nestled along the Vosges among hillside vineyards. Each of these historic towns boast a cluster of half-timbered houses and a church with a rising bell tower.

The three towns are connected by a 3 mile path – allowing those without a car to take a hike through alluring Alsace vineyards.

 

Riquewihr

Mid-morning, we took a public bus from Colmar to Riquewihr. We walked the central cobblestone lane, stopping at Au Petite Delice for unbelievably delicious chocolate macaroons. Then we diverted onto charming Riquewihr side streets.

We exited town through the Thieves’ Tower and set off on our jaunt through the vineyards of Alsace. The path – which is also used by bikes and a few cars – steadily inclined through a forest and plateaued just above the town of Hunawihr.

 

Hunawihr

From Hunawihr, we followed the path through budding vineyards, stopping often to take photos and enjoy the view. We found a picnic table under the shade of a tree where we ate our packed lunch (and macaroons) with a view. As we completed our easy trek to Ribeauville, we could see hill-topping castles perched above the town.

 

Ribeauville

Ribeauville, which is the largest of the three Alsace Wine Walk towns, is home to several winery tasting rooms. After our walk through the vineyards, we naturally rewarded ourselves with a taste of the local product! Much busier than the two previous towns, we casually strolled and sipped our way through Ribeauville before catching a bus back to Colmar.

 

Tips for Walking from Riquewihr to Ribeauville

Buses conveniently transport passengers from Colmar to Riquewihr and back. Request a schedule from the Colmar Tourist Info Office – and ask which buses are running on the day of your trip. Not all buses run year-round or all days of the week and there are none on Sundays. 

In Riquewihr, stop at the Tourist Office (located on the main street) for an Alsace Wine Walking Map. While at the TI, also pick up informative pamphlets on the towns, if you are interested in learning more about the sights. From Ribeauville, it is possible to continue hiking to the castle ruins in the hills above town, which takes about an hour each direction.

Pro Tip: Those who would prefer a guided tour of the Wine Route in Alsace should consider this popular excursion.

 

#3 Bike to Eguisheim, France

Day trips from Colmar, France are not limited to public transportation – Eguisheim can be reached by bicycle. We pedaled our way from the Colmar Train Station along the river, through open fields to Eguisheim, another popular historic town in Alsace.

It took less than an hour for us to navigate the route from Colmar to Eguisheim – and we stopped often to take photos. Once we arrived in Eguisheim, we locked up our bikes (just around the corner from the Tourist Info Office) and set off to explore.

At the center of the Medieval village, which was awarded the ‘Favorite French Town’, is the Chateau Saint-Leon. From the central square (that the castle sits on), three ring roads encircle the town. We lazily looped around Eguisheim on foot, marveling at the architecture and reading about the history on the informational plaques.

 

Top Tips for Biking in Colmar

Biking is one of the popular Colmar activities and there are a few places to rent bikes in the city. We rented our bikes from Colmar Velo – Velodocteurs, which is located at the train station. Ask for a free Colmar Cycling Map, and if you are biking to Eguisheim, inquire about the ideal route.

 

#4 Dine al Fresco in Colmar

During our Colmar visit, the weather was incredible – sunny skies, but not hot. It was perfect for dining al fresco! Throughout the Old Town, there are numerous Colmar restaurants that offer outdoor seating and feature local Alsace cuisine.

 

Restaurants in Colmar

There are many incredible Colmar, France restaurants that feature local cuisine and international fare. We have a few tips for where to eat in Colmar. 

 

Wistub Brenner

A classic and cozy restaurant, Wistub Brenner focuses on traditional Alsatian food that is perfectly presented. The menu features 3-course meal options. Highlights are the pork knuckle and foie gras – but save room for the delectable desserts!

 

La Caveau Saint Pierre

Housed in a quaint half-timbered house along the canal, Caveau Sant Pierre serves traditional French cuisine. The authentic meals are exquisitely prepared and offered at fair prices. 

 

JY’s

Situated in the Champ du Mars park, JY’s is a fine dining restaurant (with two Michelin stars). Patrons can expect exceptional service and phenomenal French fare.

 

Have a Picnic 

Visitors who want to experience something different can prepare a fun picnic lunch – like we did! In the morning, we went to the Covered Market Halle, gathering items for an afternoon picnic at Parc du Champ de Mars. At the shops, we found some of the best food in Colmar. We went with Munster cheese with cumin spice, freshly baked baguettes and almond-stuffed olives!

Pro Tip: The Covered Market Halle has several restaurants where you can dine before you shop. We started off with a quiche and fresh-squeezed orange juice at the small café in the center.

 

#5 Sip Alsace Wine and French Craft Beer

Being smack in the middle of the Alsace Wine Region, drinking the locally produced wine should be on every Colmar itinerary!

 

Alsatian Wine

Most of the wine in Alsace is white, including varietals such as Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. Pinot Noir is the sole red wine in Alsace. However, it is quite light in comparison to some other Pinot Noirs.

Local French wine is available at every café, restaurant and grocery store in Colmar. After long days of sightseeing, relaxing at a café in the Colmar Old Town and sipping Alsace wine was sublime!

Pro Tip: If you are planning to bring a few bottles home (who could resist?), make sure you pack your wine properly so it arrives safely!

 

Craft Beer 

Beer drinkers, don’t despair. While wine is certainly the most popular drink of choice in Colmar, they have French Craft Beer as well!

Our go-to spot for craft beer in Colmar is Les 3 Singes (The Three Monkeys). They offer a wide drink selection in a friendly atmosphere. There is one local craft brewery in Colmar, Brasserie St. Cru, which is located 2.5 miles north of the Old Town. 

 

Alsace Wine Tour

While it is fun to stop into different bars and restaurants, those interested in learning more about the wine in Colmar can join a guided tour through the Alsace region. Both Full-Day and Half-Day wine tours are available where participants enjoy tastings, the scenery and the company of fellow travelers!

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More Tips For Visiting Colmar, France

We have more advice for visiting Colmar and the Alsace Region – including day trips, where to stay, how to get there and our best packing hacks!

 

Day Tours From Colmar

The city makes a great base for exploring the Alsace Region. We already highlighted a popular Colmar walking tour (more info) and the wine tours from Colmar (just above), but we have a few more ideas for your vacation!

 

The 4 Wonders of Alsace

See some of the most picturesque villages in the region – Eguisheim, Ribeuville, Riquewihr and Kayserberg – and sample fine local wines with a professional guide. Reserve your seat!

 

3 Country Tour

Colmar is ideally situated close to three country borders. This makes it simple to spend one day experiencing France, Germany and Switzerland with a professional guide. Get the details!

 

Chateau du Hohlandsbourg

A hilltop castle dating to the year 1279, Chateau du Hohlandsbourg is one of the interesting places to visit near Colmar. Open to the public from spring until autumn, the historic monument features stunning 360-degree views and exhibitions. 

 

Festivals in Colmar, France

Colmar is a beautiful destination on its own, but travelers may want to plan their trip to coincide with one of the city’s top festivals. 

 

Colmar International Festival

This classical music festival is unlike any other. The program includes symphonic music, choral works and chamber music. 

 

Alsace Wine Fair

The Wine Fair in Alsace (Foire aux Vins d’Alsace) is an annual event that takes place in the summertime. The celebrations include exhibitions, entertainment, concerts…and loads of local wine, of course! 

 

Museums in Colmar

There are a few museums that visitors may want to include in their itinerary for Colmar, France. We are highlighting a few of the top picks. 

 

Unterlinden Museum

Housed in a 13th Century Dominican Convent, Musee Unterlinden is the best art museum in Colmar. The space features everything from ancient artifacts to masterpieces from Medieval times to contemporary artworks from local artists.

 

Musee du Jouet

The  Jouet Museum displays popular toys through the decades (stretching back to the 1800s). The exhibits of dolls and trains are a highlight. 

 

Bartholdi Museum

The Musee Bartholdi is dedicated to the life of artist Auguste Bartholdi, the famous artist who sculpted the Statue of Liberty. The small museum showcases his works and models. 

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Map of Colmar, France Things To Do

Use this Google Map for a interactive version of our Colmar Map of Attractions below.

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How To Plan a Trip to Colmar

Now that you know the best Colmar places to visit, it’s time to start planning your vacation! 

 

Organize your Colmar Trip 

There is a lot more to planning a trip than determining what to see in Colmar. No worries – we have advice on how to get there and where to stay.

We also share tips in our travel guides for nearby destinations. Find out what to see in Strasbourg, the top sights of Basel Switzerland, prime attractions in Freiburg Germany, and a step-by-step sightseeing plan for Zurich. Plus, we can’t forget about spending a perfect Week in Paris!

Those traveling from aboard can find more in our Guide to Planning a European Vacation. Additionally, we recommend using our Trip Planning Printables to get and stay organized for your vacation to Colmar!

 

What is the Best Time to Visit Colmar, France?

Visiting Colmar is wonderful anytime of year! Deciding when is the best for you will depend on your desired activities. 

 

Summer

During summertime, the weather is warm and there are many events taking place. That said, Colmar can get crowded in the summer, which makes it difficult to get dinner reservations and increases the price of accommodations. 

 

Spring and Autumn 

The spring and autumn mark the shoulder season in Colmar. While the temperatures are cooler and rain is more than likely in the forecast, there are fewer crowds and lower prices. 

 

Wintertime 

Some may wonder what to do in Colmar in winter, but we feel it is still a fabulous time to visit. The best things to do are centered around the amazing Colmar Christmas Markets. Just pack and plan for colder weather.

Read about more of the Best Places for Christmas in Europe!

 

Where are the Best Places To Stay in Colmar?

During our trip, we stayed at the Ibis Budget Colmar Centre, which we liked for the affordability, simple design and (mostly) the location. It is just a short walk from both the train station and Old Town.

 

Hotels in Colmar

Travelers will find that there are many hotels in Old Town Colmar to choose from. Before you start your search, read our tips for finding top hotels. Then check out these highly-rated Colmar hotels on Booking.com. Top picks include the James Boutique Hotel, La Maison des Tetes, and Hotel Le Colombier Suites.

 

Getting to Colmar, France

We arrived via train from Basel, Switzerland and departed via bus to Frankfurt. There are several train and bus routes that serve Colmar. In fact, it’s possible to travel by train on a Paris to Colmar day trip. Although, even the fastest trains take 3.5 hours – so it is a really long day.

The train between Strasbourg and Colmar takes just 30 minutes. By train, the journey from Freiburg to Colmar takes about 2 hours to complete.

 

Before You Go to Colmar

We have a few final travel tips on what to pack in your suitcase or backpack. So grab our FREE Packing Checklist and let’s get you on your way to France!

 

Walking Shoes

Colmar is a walkable city…but only if you have the right travel shoes! Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable shoes. I wore my favorite trainers by New Balance and Kris prefers trail shoes by Merrell.

 

Travel Camera 

We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your France trip. Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual travel camera for high quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel, which takes beautiful pictures and is an excellent budget camera option.

 

Guidebook

Those interested in the best Colmar wines can use the Wines of Alsace guide for the top vineyards of the region. Exploring more of France? Make sure to have a trusted guidebook before arriving.

 

Day Pack

With long days of sightseeing, you will want to make sure you bring a travel day bag. An ideal day pack is comfortable to carry, has multiple pockets and can fit all your everyday items for travel.

 

European Travel Insurance

If you haven’t already obtained coverage for your vacation to France, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.

 

Start planning your trip to France! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

 

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