10 Best Things to Do in Colmar France Plus Hidden Gems

Nestled in the heart of Alsace, Colmar France feels like a fairytale brought to life. With its pastel-colored houses, flower-lined canals, and cobblestone streets, this charming town looks like it leapt straight out of a storybook. Whether you’re exploring its medieval old town, tasting Alsatian wines, or drifting down “Little Venice,” Colmar offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and romantic scenery that captivates travelers year-round.

Overview

Located near the German border, Colmar is the wine capital of Alsace and one of the most picturesque towns in eastern France. Its unique blend of French and German influences is visible in its architecture, cuisine, and warm local hospitality. Visitors are drawn here for its half-timbered houses, vibrant markets, world-class museums, and access to the Alsace Wine Route, one of Europe’s most scenic drives. Compact yet rich in attractions, Colmar is the kind of place where every corner feels like a postcard.

10 Best Things to Do in Colmar France

1. Explore La Petite Venise (Little Venice)

Start your visit in Colmar’s most famous neighborhood — La Petite Venise. Stroll along flower-filled canals framed by colorful medieval homes and quaint bridges. For a more enchanting perspective, take a small boat ride through the waterways and admire the reflection of pastel facades dancing on the water. It’s especially magical at sunset or during the Christmas season when lights twinkle along the canal.

2. Visit the Unterlinden Museum

Housed in a 13th-century Dominican convent, the Unterlinden Museum is home to one of Europe’s most celebrated art collections, including the Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald. The museum blends medieval and contemporary art beautifully, offering a fascinating look into Colmar’s artistic legacy.

3. Wander Through Old Town

Colmar’s Old Town is a living museum of half-timbered houses, hidden courtyards, and cozy cafés. Take time to meander through the narrow lanes like Rue des Marchands and Rue des Boulangers, stopping for coffee or a slice of Alsatian tarte flambée. Each turn reveals something new — a flower-filled balcony, a centuries-old sign, or an artisan shop.

4. Admire the Pfister House

Built in 1537, the Pfister House is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture with ornate wooden galleries and murals depicting biblical scenes. It’s one of Colmar’s most photographed landmarks and a must-see for architecture lovers.

5. Tour the Bartholdi Museum

Dedicated to the sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who designed the Statue of Liberty, this museum showcases his works, personal items, and miniature versions of his famous creations. It’s an inspiring visit that connects the quaint streets of Colmar to one of the world’s most iconic monuments.

6. Taste Alsatian Wine

Colmar lies at the heart of the Alsace Wine Route, surrounded by vineyards producing Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris. Join a guided tasting or visit local wineries in nearby villages like Eguisheim or Riquewihr. Sampling wine in this region feels intimate — many tastings take place in centuries-old cellars.

7. Visit Église Saint-Martin

Dominating the town square, the Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin showcases beautiful Gothic architecture and stained glass. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the rooftops and surrounding vineyards.

8. Enjoy the Colmar Christmas Market

If you visit during late November or December, you’ll find Colmar transformed into a winter wonderland. The Christmas markets fill the old town with lights, local crafts, and the scent of mulled wine. It’s one of Europe’s most beautiful festive markets, drawing visitors from around the world.

9. Explore Eguisheim (Just Outside Colmar)

Just a 15-minute drive away, Eguisheim is a circular village often ranked among France’s most beautiful. Its concentric cobblestone streets are lined with colorful homes and flower boxes. It’s an ideal half-day trip from Colmar, especially for wine lovers or photographers.

10. Dine on Alsatian Cuisine

Don’t leave without tasting local specialties like choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with sausages and meats), bäckeoffe (a hearty stew), and kougelhopf (a sweet cake). Pair your meal with a local white wine and end the evening at a cozy winstub — a traditional Alsatian tavern.

Hidden Gems

While Colmar’s main attractions are well known, a few hidden corners deserve attention:

• Quai de la Poissonnerie – Quieter than Petite Venise, this riverside street offers charming canal views and fewer crowds.
• Dominican Church – Often overlooked, it houses Martin Schongauer’s masterpiece “Madonna in the Rose Garden.”
• Marché Couvert (Covered Market) – A great spot to try regional cheeses, pretzels, and Alsatian wines.
• Toy Museum of Colmar – A nostalgic stop showcasing toys from the 19th century to today.

Best Times to Visit

The best time to visit Colmar France is spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) when the weather is pleasant and the vineyards are at their most colorful. Summer brings lively festivals and open-air concerts but also more tourists. Winter, on the other hand, is magical for the Christmas markets, when the town glows with holiday lights.

5 Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Colmar and explore the Old Town and La Petite Venise. Enjoy dinner at a winstub.
• Day 2: Visit the Unterlinden Museum, Pfister House, and Église Saint-Martin. Spend the evening wine tasting at a local cellar.
• Day 3: Take a short trip to Eguisheim and Riquewihr along the Alsace Wine Route. Enjoy lunch at a countryside vineyard.
• Day 4: Discover Bartholdi Museum, shop at Marché Couvert, and take a canal boat ride before relaxing at a local café.
• Day 5: If visiting in winter, explore the Christmas Markets. Otherwise, take a scenic drive through nearby vineyards before departing.

Where to Stay

Check hotels in Colmar France

Packing List

• Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones everywhere)
• Lightweight layers (weather shifts often)
• Travel umbrella or rain jacket
• Reusable water bottle
• Camera or smartphone for photos
• Crossbody bag for markets and walks
• Plug adapter (France uses Type E outlets)

Final Thoughts

Colmar France is a living fairytale, a place where medieval charm meets modern comfort and where every corner tells a story. From strolling through La Petite Venise to sipping Riesling in a vineyard, it offers a perfect blend of romance, culture, and relaxation. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a week, the 10 best things to do in Colmar France are sure to leave you with timeless memories and an urge to return again and again.

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