Best Things To Do in Colmar

Colmar is a French city in the Alsace region, known for its colorful houses and canals reminiscent of Venice. Walking through its streets is like jumping back in time, as each alley surprises you with different architectural trends. Its gastronomy awaits you, as well as the famous wine routes and spaces to create your own chocolate.

Some people pass up wonderful plans and you cannot make this mistake. For example, in Colmar you are very close to the Little Prince Park and you can see a replica of the Statue of Liberty, as well as visit the home of its creator. In addition, within walking distance 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 is so named for its narrow canals surrounded by colorful houses and half-timbered houses

Start walking along the banks of the river Lauch, while exploring the district of the Tanners that offers a romantic atmosphere and a colorful landscape worthy of a postcard. If you want to take good pictures, move to the Pont de la Rue Turenne that delights with the reflection of the houses in the water.

Among its narrow streets you can find the mythical winstubs, known for being taverns of local atmosphere, and relax with a German shepherd wine in hand or visit the craft stores.

A very interesting and fun option can be 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 anything, you will have an app that will be showing you clues and riddles to solve. Each test overcome unlocks new coordinates to continue the search at your own pace. I'll tell you a little about the places you might get to see.

Rue des Marchands

Rue des Marchands is one of those vibrant and charming streets that characterize Colmar. It is also an important commercial axis perfect to stop for a while in its cafes or find souvenirs. Here is 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

In Place de l'Ancienne Douane awaits another essential stop that will transport you to the Gothic and Renaissance era, since the first foundations date back to 1480. During the 15th century it formed the old Koifhus customs house and was a political, economic and commercial reference point. Its buildings are charming and at Christmas it is transformed into a very picturesque market.

Rapp Square

Welcome to the favorite meeting point of the French living in Colmar. Rapp Square is easily connected to the rest of the city and is where they usually install the big winter ice rink. If you go with the kids, they will surely have fun following the movement of the jets of its water fountain. In addition, in the middle you will see a memorial to General Rapp, the brave right hand of Napoleon Bonaparte.

An unforgettable gastronomic experience awaits you in Colmar, where the culinary traditions of Alsace are evident. Considering that the region has been under the control of France and Germany, you can expect an explosion of flavors representing the best of Franco-German fusion.

You can enjoy a feast while exploring 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 German shepherd cuisine. You will have a range of possibilities, from creating your own chocolate to taking advantage of several tastings in the gastronomic enclaves of the city. These tours are usually conducted with a certified guide who will show you the best places in the city.

As you pass through Choco Story, you may be enveloped by the irresistible aroma of chocolate. Your mouth will be watering and you will want to go inside to discover all it has to offer. It's one of the most fun attractions and a paradise for those who are always looking for an excuse to eat something sweet.

In the world of chocolate in Colmar you can discover its history from the cultivation of cocoa to the transformation into bars. You can watch chocolate demonstrations with real masters and see how they make chocolates. One of my favorite things is that they have a Statue of Liberty sculpted in chocolate.

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

If you love art, don't hesitate to buy tickets to the Unterlinden Museum. It's an enriching experience that will greet you with a collection of 3,500 works of art, including some of Picasso's paintings. You can also get an up-close look at the mythical Isenheim Altarpiece dating back to the early Renaissance.

During your visit you will encounter ancient artifacts 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 inside.

One thing I recommend you consider is that you can take advantage of an audio guide, but it usually costs extra. In addition, the museum is divided between temporary and permanent exhibitions.

Maybe you didn't know it, but the idea of the Statue of Liberty in New York started cooking in Colmar around 1834, with the birth of its creator Auguste Bartholdi. Hence, this monument has a direct relationship with this charming city and it is possible to see an impressive replica. Specifically, it is located at the north entrance of Colmar and is about 12 meters 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. A curious fact is that stained clay that imitates patinated copper was used, so the monument weighs approximately three tons.

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

To save yourself from long walks and explore the city from another angle, you should consider the Colmar tourist train. It's a convenient way to see the highlights and get lost among the alleys of the historic center.

The train has no free stops and you must stay on board during the tour, but it is quite entertaining because it offers a 30-minute audio-guided ride. You will be able to see the canals of Colmar and the colorful neighborhood near Petite Venise. You will also pass several charming squares, museums and monuments.

If you want a compass to get to know Colmar, nothing better than following the golden triangular plaques that have a miniature engraving of the Statue of Liberty. They are at the most important points and it is easy to recognize them because they shine among the cobblestones on the ground. They are considered a nod to Bartholdi and many people use them to design an itinerary that can't be missed.

Some of the key locations include:

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

If I were you, I would start this historical route at the traffic circle where the replica statue is located, ending 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 catch your attention and my recommendation is to visit them with a guide or audio guide to understand every detail, as many are closed to the public and you will only see their facades. Among the most famous are the following.

• Maison des Têtes: it is a particular place, in fact it is known as House of the Heads, since it houses more than 100 sculpted heads. It currently functions 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 the facade is decorated with murals depicting biblical scenes. In addition, two impressive balconies stand out and can be appreciated very well 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 colorful facade can be seen from Rue des Marchands, as it does not offer access to the interior.

From Colmar it is quite easy to get to know the wonderful villages of Alsace, a region famous for its history, crossroads of cultures and picturesque architecture. Its villages share charm, but each has something wonderful to offer.

Booking an Alsace village tour from Colmar will allow you to pass by streams, see medieval enclaves and reach breathtaking vineyards. With a guided experience you won't have to organize the transfers or the itinerary, just enjoy yourself. I'll tell you which ones you shouldn't miss!

Kayserberg

Kayserberg is one of the outstanding villages in Alsace for its half-timbered houses that connect to stunning vineyards. In fact, it is considered a must stop during a wine tour of 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 local hustle and bustle and many say it's a village worthy of a fairy tale for its scenic beauty, as well as the chance to spot butterflies in the Jardin des Papillons.

Riquewihr

When you visit Riquewihr you will find an unforgettable village that will transport you to the Middle Ages thanks to the aged touch of its streets. In general, its facades look like postcards and among its must-sees are the Dolder Tower and the local wineries.

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, colorful 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 the Minstrels", as it was the cultural center of these musicians and storytellers in the Middle Ages. There are different myths surrounding them and in September the Fête des Ménétriers (festival of musicians) takes place, which delights with parades of floats, costumed people and special events.

Obernai

You should also not miss Obernai, a German shepherd village surrounded by lush greenery and well known for its Christmas markets, ideal for sipping mulled wine in winter. The church of St. Peter and St. Paul awaits you here, 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 with an undeniable charm. I find it ideal to enjoy the local atmosphere and visit the Clock Tower, as well as to take the Night Watch tour that takes you to explore the village at night and is a summer-only tradition.

Colmar's wines are a fundamental part of its culture, so I recommend you enjoy a wine tour, the perfect excuse to explore the surroundings and experience enchanting vineyards. Most of the wines come from different parts of Alsace, are white and fresh tasting. Although you also find more complex flavors in wines such as Pinot Gris, noted for its notes of peach.

You will love its variety of wine proposals, there are even bubbly alternatives, such as Crémant d'Alsace which is quite similar to champagne. Within Colmar you can find wine tastings in wineries and markets. But I advise you to go out and explore Hunawihr, Riquewihr and Eguisheim, some of the most beautiful villages in France and wine enclaves par excellence.

Being in an unknown city complicates a little the organization of the itinerary, since you do not know which are the most emblematic wine stops. Hiring the Colmar wine route tour allows you to enjoy a selection of the best wineries and tour the nearby villages. You won't have to worry about transfers and you will enjoy the experience with a local guide.

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

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

• Hot Air Balloons: it has two dedicated to the characters of the King and the Lantern Lighter that take you to the heights to enjoy the valley of the Rhine River and the Vosges Mountains.
• The South Atlantic: is a water attraction where you will board a boat and slide down a ramp at full speed. I recommend you to wear clothes that you don't mind getting wet because you will probably end up soaked.
• The Plane: 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, a pleasant encounter with the characters of The Little Prince awaits you.
• La Serpiente: welcome to a thrilling roller coaster that will shake your body with unexpected twists and turns.
• Meteor B612: travel to The Little Prince's home and discover what it would be like to live on an asteroid.
• Mini farm: come into contact with domestic animals and discover The Little Prince's famous Rose Garden.