Driving to Colmar from Calais

Discover one of the most picturesque places in the Alsace, on a scenic journey from the LeShuttle terminal in Calais. 

Why visit Colmar?

With its pastel coloured half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, canals and flower-filled bridges, it’s no wonder Colmar feels like a fairy tale town. Step into some of the lanes of ‘Little Venice’ and it’s easy to feel like you’re walking through a story by the Brothers Grimm or Charles Perrault. The medieval buildings have survived centuries of war and shifting borders, and so Colmar remains like a living museum – an enchanting place for people of all ages to discover. Whether you’re on your way to Switzerland, Germany or just soaking up the area’s rich history and food and drink scene, a trip to Colmar will inspire and delight in equal measure.  

Where Colmar sits in Alsace and Grand Est

It feels like you’ve stepped back in time in Colmar 

Colmar is in the Grand Est region of France, but most people still know the area as the Alsace, a corner of north-eastern France that has always had a Germanic and Alpine feel. Tucked in between the Vosges mountains and the river Rhine, just across the border with Germany, the Alsace has a distinctive culture and identity, exemplified by its picturesque towns and villages, none more pretty than Colmar itself.    

How long does it take to drive from Calais to Colmar? 

Non-stop, the journey to Colmar takes around 6 hours 40 minutes, but you would want to stop at least two or three times, so expect to be on the road for 8-9 hours. The beauty of a drive like this is that you can take your time over it, and even have an overnight stop. We have a few suggestions on the cities you could choose to spend the night, but don’t forget the aires on the way. If you’re driving a motorhome, caravan or camper van, you can stop at these little service areas overnight.  

Some have electric hookups, fresh drinking water and showers, with a small nightly fee. It’s a cheaper option than a hotel or B&B, and you can get on the autoroute again quickly the next day. There are some great aires sites on your route from Calais to Colmar, including one just outside Reims city centre and another as you pass the champagne town of Epernay.   

How far is Colmar from Calais by car? 

It’s around 430 miles from Calais to Colmar. You’ll have to pay tolls on this route of around €62 each way, if you use the quickest autoroutes. Be wary of the speed cameras in the rolling hills of Champagne, and the fog that can often descend from the Vosges mountains closer to Colmar.  

What is the best driving route from Calais to Colmar by car? 

There are plenty of tempting places to stop driving from Calais to Colmar 

The fastest route via the A26 and A4 autoroute

From our Calais terminal, take the A16 southbound before joining the A26 towards  Reims. The A26 is the major trunk road through north-eastern France, known as the ‘Autoroute des Anglais’ because of its link between the Channel ports and the European motorway network.  

Once past Reims you’ll pick up the A4, driving towards Metz and Strasbourg. The last leg is on the A35 and N83 roads. For a cheeky diversion, come off the autoroute and take the more scenic path, following the Alsace wine route to Colmar. 

The alternative route via the N4 and N59 toll-free roads  

There’s not much time in it, and on different days one might be quicker than the other, but you could follow a more southerly route, via Nancy. You’ll be driving on rural N roads from Nancy, so will be avoiding the toll booths between Metz and Strasbourg.     

Where should I stop on the drive to Colmar?

Reims cathedral is one of Gothic architecture’s greatest achievementsArras

Arras might seem too early in your journey for a stop, but it’s a great way to whet your appetite for French history and culture as you make your way south. Famous for its Baroque-style squares, Belfry and historic architecture, it’s a compact city which was almost entirely rebuilt after the First World War. Arras is also an ideal place to pick up some delicious local cheeses. 

Reims 

Reims is a popular overnight stop, being just under halfway to Colmar from Calais. It’s famous for its champagne houses and architecture, and while a wine tasting may have to wait (as you’re driving), you could always find room for a bottle or two in the boot. They will go lovely with those cheeses from Arras!  If you just have the time for one Reims attraction, make it the cathedral: a Gothic masterpiece featuring over 2,300 statues.  

Nancy 

Place Stanislas in Nancy 

Nancy in Lorraine is best known for its architecture – its three great squares, Place Stanislas, Place Carrière and Place d’Alliance, have UNESCO World Heritage status. Featuring gilded gates, wrought iron lamp posts, a triumphal arch and elegant buildings, they are a stunning part of the city. Nancy was a cradle of the Art Nouveau movement in the late 19th century, so try and find time to see these highly distinctive buildings in the city centre too.  

Metz 

Metz is dominated by its Gothic and Renaissance cathedral, known as the ‘Good Lord’s lantern’ for its huge quantity of stained glass. Temple Neuf, a church on an island on the Moselle river, is one of the city’s most picturesque spots. Art lovers flock to The Centre Pompidou, a sister gallery to the Paris museum of the same name, with an equally distinctive design. Metz is also a festive draw – it has one of France’s most popular Christmas markets. 

Strasbourg 

Often referred to as the ‘capital of Europe’ because of its proximity to Germany and Switzerland and the cosmopolitan nature of its population, Strasbourg is packed full of history, culture, architectural delights and things to do for the family. The picturesque canals of the Petite France district, with their half-timbered houses and riverside cafés, are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a family photo stop. 

Driving in Colmar 

You won’t find many cars in the centre of Colmar! 

The narrow, winding cobblestone streets and canals of Colmar are not car-friendly, so it’s best to park up in one of the underground car parks on the outskirts of the town. Many streets in the old town are pedestrianised, so if you are taking the car into Colmar, perhaps to reach your hotel, watch out for the ‘Sens Interdit’ (no entry) signs.  

Drive to Colmar with LeShuttle

It’s a fairy tale of a road trip. Explore enchanting Colmar in the Alsace after your 35-minute crossing from Folkestone to Calais with LeShuttle.