Best Things to Do in Colmar, France, Alsace’s Fairy Tale Town

Posted on April 29, 2025 | Julie J. |

Tucked away in the heart of Alsace, Colmar is one of those places that looks like it was plucked straight out of a fairy tale—and then sprinkled with flowers. Picture half-timbered houses in candy colors, peaceful canals weaving through the Old Town, cobbled lanes, and window boxes overflowing with blooms in summer and Christmas decorations in winter.

Whether you’re here for the wine, the architecture, the food (hello, tarte flambée), or just to wander and soak it all in, Colmar delivers that perfect mix of charm and culture without feeling too overwhelming. It’s romantic, cozy, and absolutely photogenic—in every season.

I visited during the Christmas market season and fell in love. The vibe is magical, and people there sure know how to go all out for Christmas. I’ve added some spring/summer stock pictures so you can get a feel of how it can look if you’re visiting during the warmer months.

Why Go to Colmar?

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a real-life fairytale, Colmar might just be your perfect destination. Nestled in the heart of Alsace, this postcard-perfect town is all pastel-painted houses, cobblestone streets, and flower-filled canals. It’s a blend of French charm and German influence, with a dash of magic that makes it feel like time has stood still.

Whether you’re sipping a glass of local Riesling, admiring medieval timber-framed houses, or cruising through “Little Venice” on a tiny boat, Colmar offers that sweet mix of romance, history, and serious Instagram potential. Add in its rich food scene, world-class wines, and a location that’s perfect for exploring the rest of Alsace, and you’ve got a destination that’s hard to resist.

Best Time to Visit Colmar

Colmar is charming year-round, but the best time to visit really depends on what kind of vibe you’re after.

Spring (April to June) is lovely—think blooming flowers, mild weather, and fewer crowds. It’s the perfect time for relaxed strolls through town and scenic drives along the Alsace Wine Route.

Summer (July and August) brings warm days and a lively atmosphere, with open-air concerts, markets, and sunny café terraces. Just keep in mind it’s also peak tourist season, so it’s a bit busier (and pricier).

Fall (September to October) is a dream for wine lovers. The grape harvest is in full swing, the vineyards turn golden, and the air smells like crushed grapes and adventure.

And if you’re into all things festive, don’t sleep on winter. Colmar’s Christmas markets (late November through December) are pure magic—twinkling lights, mulled wine, and cozy vibes everywhere.

How to Get to Colmar

Getting to Colmar is super easy, whether you’re coming from within France or arriving from abroad.

By Train: Colmar is well-connected by rail. You can hop on a direct TGV from Paris (Gare de l’Est) and be in Colmar in about 2 hours and 20 minutes. If you’re coming from Strasbourg, it’s just a quick 30-minute regional train ride—perfect for a day trip or as part of a longer Alsace itinerary.

By Plane: The closest airport is EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, about an hour away by car or shuttle. It’s served by many European budget airlines, which is handy. Strasbourg Airport is another option, though it’s a bit further.

By Car: If you’re road-tripping through Alsace or want the freedom to explore nearby villages and vineyards, driving is a great choice. Colmar is just off the A35 motorway, and the route is scenic—especially if you weave through the Alsace Wine Route.

How to Get Around Colmar

Colmar is wonderfully compact and super walkable—getting around is a breeze! Most of the main sights, shops, cafés, and colorful half-timbered houses are clustered in the Old Town, so you really don’t need a car once you’re in the city.

On Foot: Walking is the best way to soak in all the fairy-tale charm. Strolling along the canals in La Petite Venise or wandering through cobbled alleys lined with pastel houses is half the fun of visiting Colmar.

By Bike: If you want to explore a little further out or just enjoy a leisurely ride, Colmar has bike rentals and a few dedicated cycling paths. It’s a great option if you’re staying a bit longer or want to reach spots just outside the center.

Public Transport & Taxis: While there’s not a huge public transport network within Colmar itself, buses do connect to surrounding areas. Taxis and rideshares are available but can be limited—especially late at night or in the off-season.

Day Trips: If you’re planning to visit nearby villages or vineyards, renting a car or joining a guided tour is the easiest way to go. Public transport to smaller towns like Eguisheim or Kaysersberg exists, but it can be infrequent.

Top Things to See and Do in Colmar

La Petite Venise

La Petite Venise is Colmar’s most iconic and photographed spot—for good reason. This picturesque quarter is defined by its quaint canals, flower-draped bridges, and rows of candy-colored half-timbered houses that seem to float right on the water. It’s especially magical in the early morning or golden hour, when the light bounces off the pastel façades.

Start your stroll along Rue de la Poissonnerie, once the bustling street of Colmar’s fishermen guild. Today, it’s all charm—lined with historic homes and little cafés. Just nearby, Rue Turenne offers stunning canal views and a quieter vibe if you want to soak up the beauty without the crowds.

You can hop on a small flat-bottomed boat for a peaceful ride through the canals—great for getting a unique angle of the town and learning a bit of local history from your boat guide. Don’t miss the Pont de la Petite Venise, one of the best spots to snap that postcard-perfect shot.

Old Town & Timber-Framed Houses

Colmar’s Old Town is pure storybook material, and the best way to experience it is to let yourself get lost in its narrow, winding streets. One of the most iconic streets is Rue des Marchands, a vibrant stretch filled with art galleries, boutiques, and beautiful buildings like the Maison Pfister—a Renaissance gem with murals and a turret that looks like it belongs in a fantasy film.

Just off this street is the Koïfhus, or Old Customs House, a striking 15th-century building that once served as Colmar’s economic heart. It often hosts art or antique markets, and its Renaissance-style roof is a standout.

Make your way to Place de l’Ancienne Douane, a lively square flanked by historic façades and restaurants with outdoor seating—perfect for people-watching over a glass of Riesling. Another atmospheric stop is Place Jeanne d’Arc, where you’ll find a pretty fountain and market stalls set up during seasonal events.

Wandering the Old Town feels like flipping through a well-loved fairytale. Every street has a story, and every corner begs for a photo. It’s impossible not to fall for Colmar’s old-world magic.

Unterlinden Museum

Housed in a 13th-century convent, the Unterlinden Museum is home to the iconic Isenheim Altarpiece—an absolute must-see. It also has a solid collection of medieval, Renaissance, and modern art. Even if you’re not a museum person, this one might just win you over.

Closed on Tuesdays

Maison Pfister

This iconic Renaissance house, built in 1537, is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. With its wooden galleries, murals, and oriel windows, the Maison Pfister is the perfect mix of Gothic flair and Renaissance swagger.

Closed on Tuesdays

St. Martin’s Church (Église Saint-Martin)

Right in the heart of Colmar, this stunning Gothic church looks a lot like a cathedral and is just as impressive. The architecture, stained glass, and peaceful interior are worth a peek—plus, it’s a great orientation point as you wander.

Toy Museum (Musée du Jouet)

Got kids in tow—or just a kid at heart? This quirky little museum has a collection of toys from the 19th century to today. Think vintage trains, dolls, LEGO, and video games. Fun and surprisingly nostalgic.

Closed on Tuesdays

Covered Market (Marché Couvert)

Tucked right by La Petite Venise, this small indoor market is perfect for picking up regional goodies like Munster cheese, kougelhopf, or a bottle of local wine. Great for snacks, gifts, or just browsing like a local.

Bartholdi Museum

Colmar is the birthplace of Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor behind the Statue of Liberty. His former home has been turned into a museum showcasing his life and works, along with models and personal items.

Closed on Mondays and throughout January.

Wine Tasting in the Heart of Alsace

You can’t visit Colmar without diving into the local wine scene—this is, after all, the capital of Alsatian wine! The town is surrounded by vineyards and is packed with wine cellars and tasting rooms where you can sample regional stars like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris.

Maison Martin Jund – A family-run winery right in the center of Colmar. Their organic wines are made just outside the city, and tastings take place in a lovely old courtyard.

Domaine Karcher et Fils – Located a short walk from Little Venice, this welcoming domaine offers tastings of a wide range of Alsatian wines. The family is friendly, and the vibe is very relaxed.

Le Cercle des Arômes – Not a winery, but a wonderful wine bar where you can sample a curated selection of local wines by the glass—perfect for those who want to try a variety without leaving town.

If you’re keen to explore further, Colmar is also a great base for venturing out into the Alsace Wine Route, with dozens of charming wine villages and vineyards just a short drive or guided tour away.

Where to Eat in Colmar

Colmar might be small, but it’s packed with flavor. From traditional Alsatian dishes to trendy cafés and local wine bars, the food scene here is as charming as the town itself.

Restaurants

Wistub de la Petite Venise – This cozy, wood-paneled spot near the canals is a classic for a reason. Think choucroute garnie, baeckeoffe, and tarte flambée served with local wines in a rustic atmosphere.

L’Atelier du Peintre – A Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of the Old Town, offering refined French cuisine with seasonal ingredients and artistic flair. Perfect for a special evening.

La Soï – A tiny, casual restaurant known for its delicious and authentic tarte flambée. No reservations, but it’s worth the wait.

Le Fer Rouge – Located in a striking red timber-framed building, this spot serves up Alsatian classics in a friendly, tavern-style setting.

Cafés & Coffee Shops

Jadis et Gourmande – A charming restaurants that’s also a café and tea room just off Place de la Cathédrale, ideal for a leisurely coffee or a slice of homemade cake.
Café Rapp – A local favorite with outdoor seating on Place Rapp, good for a casual espresso, light lunch, or people-watching break.
L’Essence du Thé – A peaceful spot for tea lovers, with a large selection of fine teas and a cozy, bohemian vibe.

Bakeries & Sweet Treats

Pâtisserie Gilg – A must-visit for pastry lovers. Their éclairs, fruit tarts, and seasonal treats are top-notch, and their cakes are mini works of art.
Au Croissant Doré – Grab a buttery croissant or pain au chocolat to go. It’s a great place for a quick breakfast before sightseeing.
Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie – For regional treats like bredele (Alsatian Christmas cookies) and kougelhopf, this shop is hard to resist.

Easy Day Trips from Colmar

One of the perks of staying in Colmar is how close it is to some of Alsace’s most picturesque villages and sights. If you’ve got extra time, hop in a car (or join a guided tour) and check out these gems:

Eguisheim – Just 15 minutes away, this fairy-tale village is all colorful half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and flower-filled balconies. It’s often ranked as one of the most beautiful villages in France!

Kaysersberg – A little further but totally worth it. This medieval village is full of charm, with a ruined castle on a hill and loads of cozy wine bars and shops.

Riquewihr – Straight out of a storybook, Riquewihr looks like something Disney would dream up. It’s a perfect blend of wine culture, medieval architecture, and postcard-perfect streets.

Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg – If you want a bit of drama, this restored medieval fortress perched on a mountaintop offers panoramic views over the Rhine Valley and the Black Forest.

Most of these spots are within 30–40 minutes of Colmar, making them super easy to visit as half- or full-day excursions.

Where to Stay in Colmar

Colmar is compact and walkable, so staying near the Old Town is ideal if you want to soak up the charm and be close to all the main sights, restaurants, and shops.

La Maison des Têtes – A 5-star boutique gem in a Renaissance building with tons of character. Think timber beams, elegant rooms, and a Michelin-starred restaurant on-site.

Ibis Styles Colmar Centre – Reliable, central, and reasonably priced. Set in a former malt house with exposed beams and quirky decor.

Colmar may be small, but it’s packed with reasons to linger. From strolling along the dreamy canals of Little Venice to sipping world-class Alsatian wine right where it’s grown, this is the kind of place that invites you to slow down and enjoy every detail.

Whether you’re popping in on a day trip, making it your base for exploring Alsace, or just hunting for the prettiest Christmas market vibes—Colmar checks all the boxes. Come for the charm, stay for the wine, and leave already planning your next visit.

Save it on Pinterest for later: