Colmar  –   southern Alsace

 Colmar - jewel of Alsace

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	In the area	Hotels in Colmar  ►

Built on the banks of the river Lauch, Colmar is a picturesque town whose old centre seems to some like something of a fairytale city. With its charming cobbled streets, colorful half-timbered houses, and flower-draped canals, the city exudes old-world charm, making it one of the most enchanting destinations in eastern France.
Historically, Colmar has deep roots dating back to the Roman era; in the Middle Ages it was a one of the significant commecial hubs in the Rhine valley, which was, at the time, the most important trading route in Europe . In spite of its strategic location in the Rhine valley, the town  has generally escaped the ravages of time and war, and is today the capital of the Haut-Rhin department, which shares borders with Germany to the east, and Switzerland to the south.

Tourist attractions

 

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Little Venice
The most iconic part of Colmar is its "Little Venice" district, a charming area of half-timbered houses and flower-lined canals. Visitors can enjoy a 25-minute to half hour boat trip on the River Lauch through the Little Venice district of the old town, where pastel-colored houses and the reflections on the water create an idyllic, picture perfect setting. However Colmar has a lot more to offer than its picturesqueness.

Unterlinden Museum

Colmar is home to the renowned Unterlinden Museum, housed in a former Dominican convent. This museum has an impressive collection of artwork  from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, and is particularly renowned for its collection of Medieval and Renaissance German art. Home to the  Isenheim Altarpiece, an epoch-making masterpiece by Mathias Grünewald, the museum also features works by Martin Schongauer, Holbein and  Cranach, as well as modern masterpieces by artists including Monet, Picasso and Dubuffet.

The Bartholdi Museum

Colmar was the birthplace of Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor of the famous Statue of Liberty. The Bartholdi Museum, located in the house where he was born, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and works of the artist, including models and sketches for the Statue of Liberty as well as other works he created throughout his career. A 12-metre high copy of the stutue, inaugurated in 2004, stands at the outskirts of Colmar on the D83 main road towards Strasbourg.

Saint-Martin’s Church
This magnificent Gothic church, dating back to the 13th century, is a testament to Colmar's historical wealth. The church is famous for its beautiful stained-glass windows and its impressive architecture. The interior, with its high vaulted ceilings and intricate design, is a must-see for visitors.

Other Museums
In addition to the Unterlinden Museum and Bartholdi Museum, Colmar offers several other smaller museums. The Musée du Jouet (Toy Museum) presents a unique collection of toys from different periods; there is also a Chocolate museum and a Natural History museum.... so plenty to see on a rainy day.

Wine Culture
Colmar stands in the heart of the Alsace wine region, renowned for its white wines, particularly Riesling, Pinot d'Alsace and Gewürztraminer. Visitors can explore the surrounding vineyards and visit wine cellars where they can taste the region’s finest wines. The Route des Vins d'Alsace (Alsace Wine Route) passes through Colmar, making it an ideal base for wine lovers to discove one of France's more distinctive wine areas.

 

1. Within 25 miles  of Colmar

• Alsace Wine Trail . La Route des vins d'Alsace takes visitors through miles of vineyards and picturesque villages including Riquewihr, Eguisheim, and Kaysersberg, the birthplace of Albert Schweitzer.
• Ecomusée d'Alsace  (south).  Alsace's Living History Museum, the best and biggest such museum in France, offering fascinating time travel back into Alsace of yesteryear.
• Thur. Chemin de fer du Dollar (south).  Heritage steam railway in the Dollar valley.
• Neuf Brisach (east).  A remarkable fully walled small town, fortified in the 17th century by Vauban, and part of a UNESCO world heritage site.
• The Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg (north). located a short drive from Colmar, is a stunning medieval castle perched high on a hill, offering panoramic views of the Alsace plains and across to the Black Forest
• The Hohneck, (southwest).  High summit above the wooded valleys of the Vosges, popular with hikers and nature-lovers.
• Mulhouse (south).: the second biggest city in Alsace after Strasbourg, Mulhouse is particularly visited for the Cité du Train, the  French national railway museum,  the biggest in continental Europe, as well as the Musée de l’Automobile, with its extensive collection of classic automobiles including the world's largest collection of historic Bugattis. ► See Transport museums in France.

Further afield

Strasbourg and Basel are two cities with a fine historic and cultural legacy..