A building lit in purple with people sitting and standing around an illuminated fountain at night.
Meet inColmar

What to See and Do in Colmar

A man steers a boat with three passengers in front of a timber-framed house and a bridge.
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Sign of the Colombier Hotel, a four-star establishment, hung on the facade of a traditional timber-framed building

Colmar: Alsatian Elegance Along the Canals

From Hôtel Le Colombier, Colmar is easy to explore on foot, wandering through its flower-lined streets, picturesque canals and colourful façades for which the city is renowned.

Colmar boasts an exceptional heritage, renowned museums, iconic neighbourhoods and a relaxed way of life that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Just a few minutes away, the Alsace Wine Route, major attractions across the region and a wide range of activities provide even more ways to make the most of your stay in the Haut-Rhin.

Ville d’art et d’histoire, Colmar charme par son centre historique préservé, ses maisons à colombages, ses canaux et son atmosphère unique.

Plus intime qu’une grande métropole, elle offre pourtant une richesse culturelle remarquable, une scène gastronomique vivante et un accès privilégié aux plus beaux paysages alsaciens.

Christmas in Colmar

As the festive season approaches, Colmar takes on a truly magical atmosphere.

Christmas markets, illuminations, gourmet chalets, local crafts and seasonal entertainment fill the squares and streets of the historic centre, creating an enchanting setting that makes Colmar one of Alsace’s most sought-after winter destinations.

Colmar is home not to just one Christmas market, but several, spread throughout the historic centre and easily connected on foot.

Each has its own character: the wooden chalets on Place des Dominicains, at the foot of the church; Place Jeanne d’Arc, showcasing Alsatian regional products; Place de l’Ancienne Douane, surrounded by half-timbered houses; and the indoor market at the Koïfhus, dedicated to arts and crafts. Allow at least half a day to explore them all at a relaxed pace.

Two Christmas decorations shaped like a ball and a star, drawn in clear line
A man dressed as Santa Claus waves from a decorated boat on a canal, surrounded by people and illuminated buildings at night.
A canal lined with timber-framed houses and snow-covered vegetation under a clear blue sky
A person holding a decorative cup with red and green patterns, wearing a hat and a scarf, appears to be drinking a hot beverage.
A canal lined with colorful timber-framed houses and pink flowers, reflecting the buildings in the calm water under a blue sky

Little Venice

On Site

One of Colmar’s most iconic districts, Little Venice charms visitors with its colourful houses lining the River Lauch.

A romantic walk along the quays, a boat ride or simply taking the time to wander through the neighbourhood are all wonderful ways to enjoy the unique charm of this picturesque part of Colmar.

Bright sun-shaped stars are hung on the bare branches of a tree in front of a timber-framed building.

Bartholdi Museum

Approximately an 8-minute walk

Dedicated to the creator of the Statue of Liberty, the Bartholdi Museum explores the life and work of Auguste Bartholdi in the house where he was born.

Paved courtyard with a historic building, a statue of Atlas carrying the world, and display boards in front of the entrance.
Bottle of wine labeled "Cuvée Fleur Collection" with leaf illustrations
Village with houses and trees surrounded by vast vineyards under a partly cloudy sky

Alsace Wine Route

Approximately a 10-minute drive

Leaving Colmar, you can quickly reach the Alsace Wine Route. Flower-filled villages, wine estates, cellars, panoramic views and excellent restaurants line this iconic route, which can be explored at your own pace.

Riquewihr

Nicknamed “the pearl of the vineyards”, Riquewihr has beautifully preserved its 16th-century ramparts and colourful half-timbered houses, which line its distinctive main street. The village lies beneath the renowned Schoenenbourg Grand Cru vineyard, whose Rieslings are among the most highly regarded in Alsace.

Ribeauvillé

Once the stronghold of the Lords of Ribeaupierre, Ribeauvillé stretches out beneath three ruined castles that still overlook the Alsace plain from the wooded hills above. Its three Grand Cru vineyards — Geisberg, Kirchberg and Osterberg — produce elegant, mineral-driven Rieslings with excellent ageing potential.

Kaysersberg

Nestled in the Weiss Valley, Kaysersberg charms visitors with its fortified bridge over the river, flower-lined streets and the ruins of the imperial castle overlooking the village. It is also the birthplace of Albert Schweitzer, whose former family home can still be visited today.

Statue of a mouse holding a hat, on a monument with a fountain and the text "Europa-Park Resort"

Europa-Park

Approximately a 50-minute drive

Located in Germany, Europa-Park is one of Europe’s leading theme parks. Spectacular rides, immersive themed worlds and live shows make it an ideal destination for a day trip from Colmar.

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