Things to see and do in Colmar, Alsace

In the heart of the Alsace wine region, Colmar looks as though it’s been lifted from the pages of a fairytale. Lined with cobbled streets, colourful bouquets, winding canals and pastel-coloured half-timbered houses, the city in north-east France is quintessentially French—romantic, relaxed, and rich in old-world character. 

Is Colmar worth a visit?

Oui, oui, oui! Colmar is well worth a visit. Whether you plan a weekend getaway to the picturesque city or you visit on a day trip from nearby Strasbourg or Basel, you will be glad that Colmar features on your itinerary. Just a short drive from the German and Swiss borders, the small city sits at a cultural crossroads. Its identity shaped by a long history of shifting borders, the city has a unique character and quiet charm that can’t be found elsewhere in France.

Visit to soak up the storybook scenery, to admire the medieval architecture, to sip on world-class wines and indulge in local delights, but whatever you do, visit! This ‘Little Venice’ is not to be missed.

The best things to do in Colmar

Colmar is packed with historic highlights, iconic sights, museums, and cultural attractions to explore.

Discover historic highlights and iconic sights

From Medieval marvels to charming canals, Colmar is home to some of the most unforgettable experiences.

Little Venice

Little Venice in the Krutenau district is one of the most well-known areas in Colmar. Named for its likeness to the Italian city, the neighbourhood has a postcard-perfect appeal. Running from the indoor market along the Quai de la Poissonnerie to the Saint-Pierre bridge, the canal side walk has some of the city’s best photo opportunities. 

Like the gondolas in Venice, you can punt along the Lauch River on flat-bottomed boats to view the city from a unique perspective. Look out for the candy-coloured merchant houses – at one time, each colour represented a type of business, making it easier for an illiterate population to trade. 

Glide through the heart of Colmar on a scenic boat ride.

Old Town

Architecture fan or not, you’ll be walking around Colmar’s Old Town wide-eyed and dizzy with delight. Surrounded by medieval merchant houses, Gothic churches, and Renaissance façades, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve stepped onto a film set. Highlights include the 14th -century Dominican Church and The Maison des Têtes, otherwise known as The House of the Heads—named for the 106 heads adorning its stonework.

With plenty of cobbled streets to wander down, shops, restaurants and wine lounges to explore, the historic centre of Colmar is an unmissable highlight.

Pfister House

Built in 1537, Pfister House was one of the first examples of Renaissance architecture in Colmar. Today, it is one of the most well-known houses in the city and is a frequent feature on postcards and souvenirs. Recognisable for its two-storey corner oriel window, turrets, and elaborate biblical murals, the house is a beautiful window into Colmar’s rich history.

You’ll find this architectural gem in the Old Town at 11 Rue des Marchands, 68000 Colmar, France – directly opposite La Maison des Têtes. While the interior isn’t open to the public, the exterior is every bit worth the visit! 

Admire the intricate murals and timber details of the Pfister House.

Explore museums and cultural attractions

Beyond its storybook streets, Colmar has plenty of museums and attractions to explore.

Colmar Toy Museum

Take a walk down memory lane at Colmar Toy Museum. Whatever your age, the museum in the heart of the city is an unmissable stop. You’ll find everything from teddies and dolls to trains and robots among its exhibitions. Featuring toys from the 19th century to the present day, the museum is guaranteed to be a heart-warming visit for young and old.

The museum is open every day between 10 am and 6 pm, and tickets range from around €5 for children to €7 for adults. With the average visit lasting between one and two hours, the museum is perfect for day trippers with other sightseeing plans.

Unterlinden Museum

Set within a 13th-century convent, the Unterlinden Museum is another cultural highlight in Colmar. Known for its extensive collection of Medieval and Renaissance art, the museum is home to the world-famous Isenheim altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald and Nicolas Haguenau. In addition to an impressive collection of sculptures, paintings, altarpieces, artefacts and applied arts, the museum also has a garden, orchard, café and shop to enjoy.

The museum is open from Wednesday to Monday between 9 am and 6 pm, and tickets start from 14€ per adult and 9€ per child. Children under 12 years of age can visit for free.

Wander through the serene cloister at the Unterlinden Museum.

Bartholdi Museum

Dedicated to the sculptor, Auguste Bartholdi, the Bartholdi Museum is another unmissable Colmar attraction. The French sculptor is perhaps best known for creating the Statue of Liberty, and the museum is a rare insight into the artist’s life, work and creative process. 

The museum is open from February to December, Tuesdays through Sundays. Adult tickets cost 5€ and children can visit for free.

Indulge in Colmar’s culinary delights

No visit to Colmar would be complete without a taste of the city’s Alsace cuisine and world-renowned wines. Unmissable local specialities include:

•    Tarte flambée:  A thin, crispy flatbread topped with bacon lardons, crème fraiche and onions

•    Choucroute Garnie: Braised sauerkraut with sausages and potatoes

•    Coq au Riesling: Chicken cooked in Riesling, cream and mushrooms

•    Baeckeoffe: A casserole of marinated meats, potatoes and vegetables

Sitting in the Alsace wine region, Colmar is one of the best places to enjoy a glass of Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, or Muscat, so be sure to pair one with your meal. Whatever you indulge in, make sure you leave space for a cheese board. While Munster cheese isn’t originally from Colmar itself, the Alsace cheese is the perfect way to finish any dish.

Dine by the water’s edge in Little Venice.

How to make the most of a day trip to Colmar 

If you only have a day to explore Colmar, we’d recommend this itinerary to experience the best of the city:

Morning 

•    Begin your day with a stroll through the Old Town, wandering cobbled streets, admiring charming architecture, and pausing for a coffee at a cosy café.

•    Afterwards, visit one of the city’s museums to soak up more of its history and culture. The Unterlinden and Bartholdi Museums are perfect for art lovers, while the Toy Museum is ideal for a more lighthearted step into the past.

Afternoon

•    In the afternoon, walk over to Marché couvert, the indoor market beside the Lauch River and browse the local treats and fresh produce.

•    Stop for lunch in the Little Venice district, where you’ll find waterside restaurants serving a variety of hearty, regional dishes.

•    After lunch, punt along the Lauch to admire the colourful merchant houses and flower-filled bridges.

Evening

•    Round off your day with a glass (or two!) of wine in one of the many stylish wine bars and lounges.

•    If you are visiting during the winter, the evening is one of the best times to enjoy the Colmar Christmas market, when the warm lights illuminate the city and festive smells fill the air.

Drive to Colmar from Calais

Visiting Colmar is easy with LeShuttle. The drive from Calais to Colmar is around 624 km and takes roughly six and a half hours. 

From our Calais terminal, take the A16 southbound before joining the A26 towards Reims. Continue along the A4 east past Metz and Strasbourg. Near Nancy, take the A31 and A33. From there, join the N59 and N83 into Colmar and follow the signs to your final destination.

If you’re not in a rush, the journey is the perfect opportunity to explore more of France along the way. If you take the A26, you’ll pass stop-worthy destinations like Arras, Reims, and Nancy. The A4 runs close to Metz and Strasbourg, while the A5 offers the perfect excuse to visit Dijon en route.

Plan your visit to Colmar, France

Ready to step into the pages of a storybook? Plan your trip to Colmar with LeShuttle.

Book your trip today.