The Best Things to Do in Colmar, France

Last Updated on 03/06/2026 by Mayi

Have you ever heard of Colmar, France? This town looks straight out of a postcard and is full of unique things to do in Colmar that make it a dream destination.

I had never realised how spectacular the Grand Est region was until I set foot in Strasbourg last September. The former Alsace region is famous for its Christmas markets and wine routes. Colmar, often described as a smaller, prettier and more colourful version of Strasbourg, has its own charm. This quaint French small town is overflowing with medieval half-timbered houses, flower-lined streets, and romantic canals—ideal for a weekend escape.

Why you should visit Colmar

If you have a love for medieval towns ( Dinan and Rouen), cobblestone streets and canals-side strolls (Aveiro, Amsterdam, Copenhagen), Colamr is a must-visit. This charming town with over 1,000 years of history offers fascinating architecture, beautiful streets, and delicious food that make it unforgettable. Whether you’re exploring the half-timbered houses, tasting Alsace wines, or relaxing at Parc des Champs de Mars, there’s no shortage of things to do in Colmar.

Best things to do in Colmar, France

Colmar is known for its colourful medieval houses, cobblestone streets, pedestrian bridges, and canals, earning it the nickname “the Little Venice.”

As the capital of Bas-Rhin, Colmar is not a small town or village, but it’s not overly large either. As a result, there aren’t an overwhelming number of attractions to visit, making it possible to explore Colmar in one or two days. The city’s well-preserved half-timbered houses contribute to its popularity as a destination for day trips and weekend getaways. Here are some top things to do in Colmar to make the most of your visit:

Relax at the Parc des Champs de Mars

The Champs de Mars park is situated between the train station and the city centre, making it likely the first place you’ll encounter as you walk towards the city. It’s a beautiful spot to relax on a pleasant day, with plenty of benches available. I paused there on my way back to take a refreshing break.

Guided/Self-guided tour

A great way to discover a city for the first time is to hire a local guide. Not only will you experience the city through their perspective, but you’ll also learn many interesting anecdotes about it along the way. The Colmar Tourist Office offers a guided tour as part of the “Colmar City Pass”. This pass costs €32 for adults and €28 for those under 18.

If you prefer to explore the city on your own, you’ll find that the tourist map makes self-guided travel straightforward. While you wander through the town, keep an eye out for small plaques on the ground; these are designed to help visitors navigate between various points of interest.

Discover Colmar’s architecture 

Colmar boasts stunning medieval and Renaissance-era architecture, featuring well-preserved buildings such as the Maison des Têtes (House of Heads), the Dominican Church, Maison Pfister, and the covered Market Hall. Take your time to wander through the historic centre of Colmar, exploring every nook and cranny.

After enjoying a lovely stroll in La Petite Venice, make your way to Tanner’s district. Don’t forget to look up; the building facades are beautiful, with some showcasing attractive shop signs.

Here are some remarkable architectural highlights in Colmar:

• Maison des Têtes (House of Heads): Located on Rue des Têtes, the House of Heads is a three-story building adorned with 106 sculptures of heads on its facade. This 17th-century structure, restored in 2012, is now a luxury hotel featuring a gourmet restaurant. It invites visitors to engage in a fun riddle hunt based on illustrations by Hansi, where three commercial signs can be found hidden throughout.
• Maison Pfister (Pfister House): As you continue along Rue des Marchands, you will encounter the 16th-century Maison Pfister, one of the most beautiful buildings in Alsace. This historic merchant house showcases a striking wooden facade with balconies and murals depicting both religious and secular scenes. Its architectural beauty is certainly worth a visit.

Wander the streets of Colmar Old Town 

One of the many things to do in Colmar is explore the streets of the Old Town. The town is so picturesque that you’ll want to capture images of its charming alleys and houses. The blend of German and French influences lends Colmar and its neighbouring towns a unique charm. The Old Town is well-preserved, making a stroll through it feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The colourful houses, adorned with shutters, are meticulously decorated with various objects and carvings.

Stroll in Little Venice

If you search for photos of Colmar on Google, you’re likely to find images of the colourful district known as Little Venice. The Lauch River flows through the heart of this picturesque town, historically serving as a route for transporting fruits and vegetables to the market hall.

Once home to fishmongers and market gardeners, Colmar features a charming array of brightly coloured houses lining the riverbank and picturesque bridges, which is the origin of its nickname, “Little Venice.” While it may not resemble Venice, it is still enchanting, especially in spring when everything is in bloom.

St. Peter’s Bridge is the ideal spot for capturing a stunning view of the half-timbered houses along the canals.

Visit one of the city’s museums. 

Colmar is home to several museums. Here are the main ones, categorized based on your interests:

Unterlinden Museum

Located opposite the Tourist Office Centre, the Musée d’Unterlinden is a must-visit destination. Housed in a former 13th-century Dominican convent, the museum features a stunning cloister. It showcases a collection of paintings and sculptures from the medieval and Renaissance periods, along with fascinating temporary exhibitions. One of the highlights of the museum is the Isenheim Altarpiece, created by Matthias Grünewald and Nikolaus Hagenauer. This two-sided, colourful painting depicts various biblical scenes.

Bartholdi Museum

Colmar is the birthplace of sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who is best known for creating the Statue of Liberty in New York. The Bartholdi Museum honors the sculptor with models of his famous works, including the Lion in Belfort and Vercingétorix in Clermont-Ferrand.

After exploring the Bartholdi Museum, you can continue your tour at the Hansi Museum, which opened a few years ago. This museum showcases the works of the Alsatian watercolourist, illustrator, and caricaturist Hansi, reflecting his vision of an ideal Alsace.
If you are visiting with children, then the Musée du Jouet de Colmar (Colmar’s Toy Museum) is another fantastic place to explore. The museum boasts an extensive collection of toys that spans from the early 19th century to the present day.

Take a boat tour in Colmar

Taking a boat tour is a must-do activity when visiting a canal town, and it’s definitely worth it. You can’t go to a place like Colmar without experiencing its beautiful canals! The short 30-minute trip is enjoyable and offers a unique perspective on the city. I was surprised to see how shallow the water was. The tour navigates through the residential areas, the covered market, and the charming old town. You can book your tour with Colmar Au Fil de l’Eau ffor just €7 per person.

Discover Colmar’s Colorful Houses

Have you ever wondered why the houses in Colmar are so colourful? To understand the origins of the colours of Alsatian houses, we need to go back to the Middle Ages. At that time, very few people could read, so a colour code was established to help individuals navigate the streets of the city more easily. This fascinating history adds to the vibrant look of Colmar’s streets and offers a unique window into its past. Each colour corresponded to a specific trade:

• Emerald green was used for those in the sewing, fabric, and leather trades.
• Magenta red represented workers in iron.
• Ocher yellow highlighted the trades of bakers and pastry chefs.
• Navy blue indicated trades related to wood.
• White or cream colours were used by people in construction.

In addition to indicating professions, the colours also reflected the families’ faiths: blue was used for Catholic families, while red was for Protestant families.

Hit the shops

The large Market Hall is a must-visit for anyone looking to sample local food or Alsatian wine. Inside, you’ll find a variety of local products, including cheese, fruits, vegetables, baked goods, fish, and meat, as well as small restaurants and bars. The building, which was constructed in 1865 with orangey-red bricks and renovated in 2010, stands out among the colourful timbered houses of Little Venice. Keep in mind that the market is closed on Mondays.

You can also explore craft markets like Koifhus (the Old Custom House) to purchase local produce. This Gothic-style building features a shop selling local goods and a restaurant.

Like the houses, the shop fronts in Colmar are beautifully decorated.

Nightlife

Colmar is not particularly lively at night. While there are some excellent venues, the city is not known for its bustling nightlife. However, it is an ideal destination for a romantic getaway. The charming atmosphere is enhanced by iconic buildings illuminated at night. For those interested, the Tourist Office offers guided tours on Saturday evenings.

Dominican Church

After visiting the Unterlinden Museum, make your way to the Couvent des Dominicains de Colmar. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate this building, which is home to Martin Schongauer’s masterpiece, “Virgin in the Rose Garden.” The original structure dates back to 1289.

Other things to do in Colmar

Another great activity you could do is rent a bicycle and ride part of the Alsatian wine route. It is a great way to explore Colmar’s countryside or another beautiful village nearby called Eguisheim.
Visiting Colmar during the festive period is a must. Alsatian Christmas markets are regarded as the best. If you are staying in December, combine it with a visit to Strasbourg’s Christmas market. 

Practical Information

Where is Colmar in France? 

Colmar is located in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, close to both Germany and Switzerland. This proximity gives the area a unique culture that blends French and German influences, as both countries have vied for control of this charming region for centuries.

Situated about 70 kilometres south of Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, Colmar is nestled between the Rhine River and the Vosges mountains, surrounded by beautiful Alsatian vineyards. Although it is a small town, Colmar is not just a “village.” As the capital of Alsace wines, it is ideally positioned at the base of the vineyards and near picturesque villages.

When is the best time to visit Colmar?

The best time to visit Colmar is from April to June, and again in September and October. December is also a lovely time to see the Christmas markets. It’s advisable to avoid visiting in July and August since these months are the hottest and most crowded. No one wants to stroll through a packed area in the heat! Spring is particularly beautiful with all the blooming flowers. However, visiting during the festive season can be quite expensive, so it’s wise to book in advance to avoid high accommodation costs.

How to get to Colmar?

Reaching Colmar is quite straightforward. Depending on where you’re starting from, you can travel by train, coach bus, car, or plane. France boasts an excellent train network, making it easy and quick to reach this charming Alsatian city. Both TER and TGV services from SNCF will get you to Colmar in no time.

If you are travelling from Paris, the journey from Gare de l’Est station will take less than three hours. For those planning to explore the region, you can also reach Colmar from Strasbourg in just 35 minutes by train.

If you’re flying, the most convenient airports are Mulhouse-Basel-Freiburg and Zurich. From either airport, you can rent a car to drive to Colmar or take the train. A train from Basel will get you to Colmar in approximately 45 minutes, whereas the journey from Zurich will take about two hours.

Getting around Colmar

I found getting around Colmar to be very easy. I arrived by train from Strasbourg, and the city centre is just a short 10-minute walk from the train station. The town is relatively small, with most of the main attractions clustered together, so walking is the best way to explore. Like many medieval towns, Colmar features plenty of charming alleys to wander through and many well-preserved medieval buildings to admire.

Colmar train station is conveniently located only 10 minutes from the city centre, where you can find the Tourist Office, where you can purchase the “Colmar City Pass.” The pass costs €32 for adults and €28 for children. It provides access to a guided tour and several museums, including the Hansi Museum, Bartholdi Museum, and Unterlinden Museum, as well as a boat or tourist train ride and a wine-tasting experience.

Top Tips for Visiting Colmar

• Visit During the Holidays: Colmar’s Christmas markets are world-famous and truly magical.
• Plan a Wine Route Tour: Colmar is the capital of Alsace wine, so consider renting a bike and riding through nearby vineyards.
• Stay for Sunset: Colmar’s Old Town becomes even more enchanting in the evening with its beautifully lit buildings.

Have you been to Colmar or other charming French towns? Share your experience in the comments!

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Written by

Mayi

Mayi is the writer and photographer behind SecretMoona — a space for travellers who care more about culture and quiet corners than tick-box sights. She writes honest, first-hand guides to France, Japan and beyond, a journey that began with a solo trip to Japan in 2017.

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