Best Things To Do in Colmar

Colmar is a French city in the Alsace region, known for its colourful houses and canals reminiscent of Venice. Walking through its streets is like jumping back in time, as each alleyway surprises you with different architectural trends. Its gastronomy awaits you, as well as the famous wine routes and spaces to create your own chocolate.

Some people let wonderful plans pass them by and you can't make this mistake. For example, in Colmar you are very close to the Little Prince Park and you can see a replica of the Statue of Liberty, as well as the home of its creator. What's more, a short distance away you can discover other villages that make up Alsace and that will surprise you.

Colmar is a fascinating city that stands out for being the Little Venice of France. It is so called because of its narrow canals surrounded by colourful houses and half-timbered houses.

Start by walking along the banks of the river Lauch, while exploring the Tanners' quarter, which offers a romantic atmosphere and a colourful landscape worthy of a postcard. If you want to take good pictures, move to the Pont de la Rue Turenne which delights with the reflection of the houses in the water.

Among its little streets you can find the legendary winstubs, known for being taverns with a local atmosphere, and relax with an Alsatian wine in hand or visit the craft shops.

A very interesting and fun option is to book a treasure hunt in Colmar to immerse yourself in its secrets and enjoy a self-guided walking tour. You don't have to worry about anything, you'll have an app that will show you clues and puzzles to solve. Each test you pass unlocks new coordinates so you can continue your search at your own pace. I'll tell you a little about the places you might see.

Rue des Marchands

Rue des Marchands is one of those vibrant and charming streets that characterise Colmar. It's also an important commercial axis, perfect for stopping for a while in its cafés or finding souvenirs. Here you'll find the famous Pfister House and the Bartholdi Museum, dedicated to Auguste Bartholdi, the designer of New York' s Statue of Liberty.

Place de l'Ancienne Douane

Place de l'Ancienne Douane is another essential stop that will take you back to the Gothic and Renaissance period, as the first foundations date back to 1480. During the 15th century it was the old Koifhus customs house and was a political, economic and commercial reference point. Its buildings are charming and at Christmas it is transformed into a picturesque market.

Rapp Square

Welcome to the favourite meeting point for French people living in Colmar. Place Rapp connects easily to the rest of the city and is where the big winter ice rink is usually set up. If you're there with the kids, they're sure to have fun following the movement of the jets of the water fountain. There is also a memorial to General Rapp, Napoleon Bonaparte's brave right hand man.

An unforgettable gastronomic experience awaits you in Colmar, where the culinary traditions of Alsace are evident. Considering that the region has been under the control of both France and Germany, you can expect an explosion of flavours representing the best of Franco-German fusion.

You can enjoy a feast as you explore the Grand Rue De Colmar, the quintessential gastronomic street where every bite is followed by a sip of wine. You will be fascinated by the taste of French cheeses and you can try foie gras or Bretzel.

Booking a gastronomic tour of Colmar offers you a complete experience with the best of Alsatian cuisine. You will have a range of possibilities, from creating your own chocolate to taking advantage of various tastings in the town's gastronomic enclaves. These tours usually take place with a certified guide who will show you the best places in town.

As you walk through Choco Story you may be enveloped by the irresistible aroma of chocolate. Your mouth will be watering and you'll want to dive right in to discover all it has to offer. It's one of the most fun attractions and a paradise for those who are always looking for an excuse to eat something sweet.

In the world of chocolate in Colmar you can discover its history from the cultivation of cocoa to the transformation into bars. You can watch chocolate demonstrations with real masters and see how they make chocolates. One of my favourite things is that they have a Statue of Liberty sculpted in chocolate.

When you buy tickets for Choco Story you can enjoy the experience with an audio guide, as well as participate in demonstrations and tastings. Some experiences are not included and can be purchased directly from the museum, such as hot chocolate and make-your-own chocolate workshops.

If you love art, don't hesitate to buy tickets for the Unterlinden Museum. It's an enriching experience that will greet you with a collection of 3,500 works of art, including paintings by Picasso. You can also get a close-up look at the mythical Isenheim Altarpiece dating from the early Renaissance.

During your visit you will come across ancient artefacts and mosaics, as well as an archaeological collection dating back 7,000 years. This museum was built in a former monastery dating back to the 13th century and although it has undergone some modifications, it is still fascinating to see inside.

One thing I recommend you consider is that you can take advantage of an audio guide, but there is usually an additional cost. The museum is also divided between temporary and permanent exhibitions.

You may not have known it, but the idea for New York's Statue of Liberty was first cooked up in Colmar around 1834, with the birth of its creator Auguste Bartholdi. Hence, this monument has a direct relationship with this charming city and it is possible to see an impressive replica. Specifically, it is located at the northern entrance to Colmar and stands around 12 metres high.

It was a tribute to commemorate the centenary of Bartholdi's death in 2004, as well as to reiterate the close relationship between France and the United States. A curious fact is that stained clay that imitates patinated copper was used, so the monument weighs approximately three tons.

If you plan to travel to Paris, you can also see a smaller replica on Swan Island.

To save yourself the long walks and explore the city from another angle, you should consider the Colmar tourist train. It's a convenient way to see the highlights and get lost in the alleyways of the historic centre.

The train doesn't have any free stops and you have to stay on board during the ride, but it's quite entertaining because it offers a 30-minute audio-guided tour. You'll see Colmar's canals and the colourful neighbourhood near Petite Venise. You'll also pass several charming squares, museums and monuments.

If you want a compass to get to know Colmar, nothing better than following the golden triangular plaques with a miniature engraving of the Statue of Liberty. They are located at the most important points and are easy to recognise because they glitter among the cobblestones on the ground. They are considered a nod to Bartholdi and many people use them to design an itinerary that can't be missed.

Some of the key locations include:

• Rue des Marchands.
• Place de l'Ancienne Douane.
• Collegiate Church of St Martin.
• Petite Venise.

If I were you, I would start this historical route at the roundabout where the replica statue is located, and finish at the Bartholdi Museum to see the sculptor's birthplace.

Colmar has a wealth of picturesque houses that are well worth a closer look. Each one has a story that will captivate you and my recommendation is to visit them with a guide or audio guide to understand every detail, as many are closed to the public and you will only see their facades. Among the most famous are the following.

• Maison des Têtes: it is a particular place, in fact it is known as the House of the Heads, as it houses more than 100 sculpted heads. It currently functions as a hotel and restaurant, so access is reserved for those who book one of the experiences.
• Maison Pfister: it has been in the city since 1537 and the façade is decorated with murals depicting biblical scenes. In addition, two impressive balconies stand out and are very visible from the street. Unfortunately, access to the interior is restricted.
• Weinhof: if you would like to see a traditional Alsatian style house, you are in the right place. Its colourful façade can be seen from Rue des Marchands, as it does not offer access to the interior.

From Colmar it's easy enough to explore the wonderful villages of Alsace, a region famous for its history, crossroads of cultures and picturesque architecture. Its villages share charm, but each has something wonderful to offer.

Booking an Alsace village tour from Colmar will allow you to pass by streams, see medieval sites and reach stunning vineyards. With a guided experience, you won't have to organise transfers and itinerary, just enjoy yourself- here's which ones you shouldn't miss!

Kayserberg

Kayserberg is one of the outstanding villages in Alsace for its half-timbered houses that connect to stunning vineyards. In fact, it is considered an essential stop on a wine tour of the region. There's plenty to see, but during your visit you're sure to be amazed by the fortified bridge over the river Weiss and you won't want to miss the ruins of the Imperial Castle.

Hunawihr

Hunawihr is the perfect hideaway from the local hustle and bustle and many say it's a village worthy of a fairytale for its scenic beauty, as well as the chance to spot butterflies in the Jardin des Papillons.

Riquewihr

When you visit Riquewihr, you will find an unforgettable village that will transport you back to the Middle Ages thanks to the old-fashioned feel of its streets. In general, its façades look like picture postcards and the Dolder Tower and the local wine cellars are among its must-see sights.

Ribeauvillé

If you like castles and fantasy stories, you shouldn't miss Ribeauvillé. Here you can see the ruins of three castles hidden among the hills. It welcomes you with picturesque streets, colourful houses and canals, but with a less crowded atmosphere than Colmar. And, luckily, if you visit in July, you might be able to coincide with its wine festival.

This historic enclave is known as the "Kingdom of the Minstrels", as it was the cultural centre of these musicians and storytellers in the Middle Ages. There are various myths surrounding them and in September there is the Fête des Ménétriers (Musicians' Festival), which delights with parades of floats, people in costume and special events.

Obernai

Also not to be missed is Obernai, an Alsatian village surrounded by lush greenery and well known for its Christmas markets, ideal for mulled wine in winter. The church of St. Peter and St. Paul awaits you here, as well as some lively squares.

Turckheim

The villages of Alsace will never cease to amaze you, and in Turckheim you will be amazed by its medieval ramparts. It is smaller and less popular, but with an undeniable charm. I find it ideal for enjoying the local atmosphere and visiting the Clock Tower, as well as taking the Night Watch tour which takes you to explore the village by night and is a summer tradition only.

Colmar's wines are a fundamental part of its culture, so I recommend you enjoy a wine tour, the perfect excuse to explore the surroundings and experience charming vineyards. Most of the wines come from different parts of Alsace and are white and fresh tasting. Although you'll also find more complex flavours in wines such as Pinot Gris, noted for its peachy notes.

You'll love the variety of wine offerings, and there are even bubbly alternatives, such as Crémant d'Alsace which is very similar to champagne. Within Colmar you'll find wine tastings in wine cellars and wine markets. But I recommend going out to explore Hunawihr, Riquewihr and Eguisheim, some of the most beautiful villages in France and wine enclaves par excellence.

Being in an unfamiliar city makes organising your itinerary a little complicated, as you don't know which are the most emblematic wine stops. Hiring the Colmar wine route tour allows you to enjoy a selection of the best wineries and visit nearby villages. You won't have to worry about transfers and you'll enjoy the experience with a local guide.

If you're looking for a getaway, the picturesque town of Ungersheim is just twenty-five minutes from Colmar. Specifically, I would take the opportunity to visit The Little Prince theme park, which I think is a great place to go as a family.

Most of the attractions revolve around Antoine de Saint-Exupéry 's fairy tale and immerse you in his magical world. It is divided into four zones and offers family attractions. Here are the highlights.

• Hot Air Balloons: there are two dedicated to the characters of the King and the Lantern Lighter that take you to the heights to enjoy the valley of the Rhine River and the Vosges Mountains.
• The South Atlantic: this is a water attraction where you will board a boat and slide down a ramp at full speed. I recommend you to wear clothes that you don't mind getting wet because you will probably end up soaked.
• The Plane: this is an experience that recreates the writer's ship.
• Labyrinth: you will have to overcome challenges to find your way out, but don't worry, along the way you will have a pleasant encounter with the characters from The Little Prince.
• La Serpiente: welcome to a thrilling roller coaster that will shake your body with unexpected twists and turns.
• Meteor B612: travel to the home of The Little Prince and discover what it would be like to live on an asteroid.
• Mini farm: come into contact with domestic animals and discover The Little Prince's famous rose garden.