Written by Camille Laurent, Celine Fournier, Marcus Kayode, Sebastien Simon
29/08/2025
Sergey Guk, Pexels
Colmar, a picturesque town in the Alsace region of France, invites visitors to experience its enchanting 'Little Venice' district, characterized by colorful half-timbered houses and serene canals. This charming destination offers a unique blend of French and German cultures, celebrated through its distinctive architecture, culinary delights, and renowned Alsatian wines.
The historic old town, particularly the 'Little Venice' area, provides a lively atmosphere with numerous cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, where visitors can relax and observe local life. The covered market also offers a communal space for sampling regional produce. During festivals, especially the famous Christmas markets, the streets become vibrant social hubs.
Top 5 Things to do in Colmar
Activities in Colmar mostly involve exploring its well-preserved historical districts, enjoying unique local experiences on its canals, and delving into its artistic and culinary heritage.
1. Wander through Colmar's Old Town and Little Venice
Strolling through Colmar's Old Town is like stepping into a fairy tale, with its vibrant, half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. The 'Little Venice' (Petite Venise) district, in particular, captivates with canals reflecting colorful facades, offering endless picturesque views. Taking time to discover the charming squares, hidden courtyards, and notable buildings such as the Pfister House, the Old Customs House (Koïfhus), and the majestic St. Martin's Church provides a deep sense of the town's rich history and architectural beauty. Every corner holds a visual treat, encouraging a relaxed pace of discovery.
Cost: Free (walking). Self-guided exploration allows for personal discovery without specific costs. Guided walking tours, often lasting 1.5-2 hours, typically range from €15 to €30 per person.
Transport: The Old Town and Little Venice are entirely pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot. All major points of interest within these areas are within walking distance of each other.
2. Experience a Canal Boat Tour in Little Venice
Embarking on a traditional flat-bottomed boat (barque) ride along the Lauch River provides a unique and tranquil perspective of Little Venice. Gliding through the canals offers views of the vibrant canal-side houses and bridges that are less accessible on foot. It is a peaceful way to immerse oneself in the charm of the area and capture memorable photographs from the water.
Cost: Boat tours typically cost around €7-€8 per person for a 25-30 minute ride.
Transport: Boat departure points are located within the Little Venice district, which is centrally located and easily reachable on foot from anywhere in the Old Town.
3. Visit the Unterlinden Museum
Exploring the Unterlinden Museum offers a journey through art and history, housed within a former 13th-century Dominican convent. Its most celebrated masterpiece is the Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald, a powerful and moving piece of Renaissance art. The museum's collections also span Romanesque sculpture, Rhineland art, and 20th-century modern art, providing a comprehensive cultural experience. It is a significant cultural highlight of Colmar and well worth dedicating a few hours to.
Cost: Entrance fees generally range from €13 to €16 for adults. Concessions are often available for students and seniors.
Transport: The Unterlinden Museum is centrally located in Colmar's Old Town, just a short walk from most other attractions. No additional transport is required.
4. Explore the Covered Market (Marché Couvert)
Stepping into Colmar's Covered Market is a sensory delight, offering a true taste of Alsatian life and cuisine. The market hosts numerous local merchants selling fresh produce, regional cheeses, charcuterie, and baked goods. It provides an excellent opportunity to sample local delicacies, observe daily life, and find authentic culinary souvenirs. It is a vibrant communal space that reflects the local food culture.
Cost: Entry to the market is free. Costs are incurred based on purchases of food and drink, which can vary widely.
Transport: The Covered Market is situated within the Little Venice district, making it easily accessible on foot from anywhere in the Old Town.
5. Indulge in Alsatian Wine Tasting
As the self-proclaimed 'Capital of Alsatian Wines', Colmar offers numerous opportunities to sample the region's renowned white wines, such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris. Many wine bars and independent vintners are located directly in the town center, inviting visitors to taste and learn about the local viticulture. Engaging in a tasting session provides insight into the unique terroir and winemaking traditions of Alsace.
Cost: Wine tastings vary. A structured tasting session at a wine bar or merchant can range from €10 to €30, depending on the number and quality of wines tasted. Bottles for purchase range from €10 upwards.
Transport: Several wine establishments are located within walking distance throughout the Old Town. For those interested in visiting vineyards just outside of town, local buses or a taxi could be used. A taxi to nearby villages like Eguisheim might cost €20-€30 one way, while organized wine tours often include transport.
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