Colmar is a town in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, near the border with Germany. Its old town has cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings. The Gothic 13th-century, Eglise Saint-Martin church stands on central Place de la Cathédrale. The city is on the Alsace Wine Route, and local vineyards specialize in Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines.
Why is Colmar famous?
The city is renowned for its well-preserved old town, its numerous architectural landmarks, and its museums, among which is the Unterlinden Museum, which houses the Isenheim Altarpiece. Colmar is situated on the Alsatian Wine Route and considers itself to be the “capital of Alsatian wine” (capitale des vins d’Alsace).
Colmar is the most beautiful city in Alsace, which is often described as the “open-air museum.” It is large enough but very cozy and unusually beautiful. The close proximity to the German border gave the city’s architecture its own special style. Near the Gothic pathos buildings, people have the opportunity to find small multi-colored half-timbered buildings twined with a vine. In Colmar, there are many canals and bridges that open up extraordinarily beautiful mesmerizing landscapes. Colmar is said to be an example of the entire Alsace. Everyone, who has visited it at least once, will remember this city forever. Once you arrive, it is recommended to walk across its cobbled streets with bright flower beds, taste local delicacies, enjoy wines and works of art. Visitors of this city frequently describe it as a place transported beyond reality. Usually, Colmar is associated with a fairy tale where real dragons, gnomes, knights, and princesses live. In fact, the atmosphere of this city is based on the combination of magnificent nature and cheerfulness.
HOW TO GET TO COLMAR
From Strasbourg, trains run every half hour or so for 9,50 euro. Colmar is not as easily accessible from places further afield, so base yourself from Strasbourg. It takes about 25 minutes to make the commute.
WHERE TO EAT IN COLMAR
If you’re looking for a sweet little cafe, stop in at Au Dore next door to the Bartholdi Museum. If you’re lucky, while you’re sitting outside in the cobblestone street, live musicians may serenade you! For those in need of bigger satisfaction, head to La Pergola for delightful pizzas and pastas just next door to Au Dore.
THINGS TO DO & SEE IN COLMAR
Once you’ve made your way off the train, grab a map at the bike rental shop next door to the station. Follow the Avenue de la Republique to the Tourism Office, noted with a big Wi-Fi symbol. From here, you can gather your bearings, check the internet if needed and then start their self-guided walking tour of Colmar.
Follow the little red dots on your map to see the best of Colmar: museums, famous buildings, schools, libraries, markets and sweet little flower-lined canals. As you wander, you will hear the tolling of the cathedral bells, the chatter of people in French, English, Spanish and German and the pattering of feet walking along the cobblestoned paths enjoying the sunshine and bright colours of this lovely town.
