This pretty town looks as though it’s been plucked from a medieval folk tale, with its higgledy-piggledy, half-timbered houses and quaint canals. We wouldn’t blame you for thinking you’d woken up in the 16th century. You’ll jet into Strasbourg, then it’s less than an hour’s drive or train ride north to reach Colmar. Wander the cobbled streets, cruise the canals of ‘Little Venice’ and linger over long lunches filled with Alsatian wine in cosy winstubs (wine bars). This whimsical wonder is great in all seasons, but at Christmas it really shines. It’s then that the streets adorned with blooming geraniums swap them for twinkling lights and pine garlands. With several markets, you can eat, drink and shop your way across the city, soaking up the festive atmosphere as you go.

Things to do in Colmar

A fairytale old town

In Colmar’s old town, pastel-hued houses lean over flower-lined canals. Stroll the cobbled lanes and you’ll discover hidden courtyards, ornate fountains and postcard-perfect squares, each more enchanting than the last. It’s the kind of place where getting lost feels like the whole point.

Flavours of Alsace

Colmar is a feast for the senses. Get ready to savour tarte flambée, choucroute (sauerkraut) and buttery kougelhopf (brioche), all paired with crisp local Riesling or Gewürztraminer. Here, meals are hearty, homely and deeply rooted in Alsatian tradition.

Little Venice

In the district known as Little Venice, canals glide past candy-coloured houses and trailing blooms. Take a gentle boat ride or wander the waterside paths as reflections shimmer below. It’s Colmar at its most romantic, especially in the golden light of early evening or when the Christmas lights shine.

Grand Hotel Bristol

Colmar City, Colmar

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Based on 1175 reviews

Iconic historical building
Designer lounge and restaurant
Spacious rooms and suites
50m from the Colmar main train station
900m from the Petit Venice Market

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Colmar Christmas markets

Come winter, the fairytale streets of Colmar come alive with festive sparkle. Wander between charming market squares filled with wooden chalets, discover handmade gifts and Alsatian delicacies and sip warming mulled wine by glowing lights. With colourful houses and storybook scenery, it’s a wonderfully magical place to celebrate the season.

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Colmar Christmas Markets

Colmar

Colmar promises a whimsical feeling like no other – straight out of a storybook with timber-framed houses, colourful canals and cobblestone streets, every corner is postcard-worthy. Wander through the charming...

Colmar Old Town

Colmar

Colmar Old Town is a maze of cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and storybook squares. Painted façades, flower-draped windows and historic fountains create a living postcard at every turn. Wander slowly,...

Koifhus market

Colmar

Dating back to the 15th century, the Koïfhus is Colmar’s oldest public building. Once a customs house, it now hosts lively markets selling local crafts and regional produce. With its half-timbered façade and...

Language

French/Alsatian

Currency

Euro (€)

Time difference

+1hr

Cost of a beer

£4.40

One-way local transport ticket

£1.30

Three-course meal for two

£57

Sightseeing

From the Gothic grandeur of Saint Martin’s Church to the colourful Pfister House, Colmar’s landmarks are a real treat. Visit the Unterlinden Museum to see the Isenheim Altarpiece, then wander on, letting the town’s architecture and history reveal themselves at every turn.

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Eating and drinking

In Colmar, your first port of call should be a cosy winstub, AKA, a traditional, home-style Alsatian restaurant. Many serve classics like choucroute garnie (an Alsatian recipe with sauerkraut and various pork parts) and baeckeoffe (meat and potato stew), so be sure to sample them while you’re here! The region’s iconic wine is not to be missed either.

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Shopping

Shopping in Colmar is all about charm. Browse independent boutiques for regional wines, handmade ceramics and Alsatian textiles. In winter, Christmas markets fill the squares with wooden chalets, festive crafts and sweet treats, making souvenir hunting feel wonderfully magical.

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Getting around

Thanks to Colmar’s dinky size, it’s easy to get around on foot here. All the sights are just a hop, skip and a jump away from each other, meaning you can spend less time getting around and more time admiring exactly what matters while you’re away.

From the airport

You can take the shuttle train from the airport to Strasbourg’s main station, where you can then take a connecting train directly to Colmar. Tickets can be purchased easily from the ticket machines at the airport and station platform.

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Colmar

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Colmar city breaks

Things to do in Colmar

A fairytale old town

Flavours of Alsace