Colmar is a charming city located in the Alsace region of France, known for its picturesque streets, colorful houses, and beautiful canals. It’s a popular destination for travelers looking to explore the beauty and history of this region, and there are plenty of things to see and do in Colmar.
With a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant arts scene, Colmar is a city that has something to offer for everyone. From world-class museums and galleries to delicious local cuisine and excellent wine, there’s always something new to discover in Colmar. And with a number of festivals and events throughout the year, the city comes alive with music, art, and culture.
Whether you’re interested in history, art, or just soaking up the local atmosphere, Colmar is a city that is sure to leave a lasting impression. So why wait? In this article we’ll give you 5 reasons why you should visit Colmar, and the most complete guide for your trip!
Here’s the 5 reasons why you should visit Colmar:
- Colmar is a charming and picturesque city located in the Alsace region of France, known for its colorful houses, narrow streets, and picturesque canals. Strolling through the city’s old town is a great way to experience the local culture and history.
- Colmar is home to a number of world-class museums and galleries, including the Unterlinden Museum, which houses a collection of works by local artists as well as internationally renowned pieces.
- The Alsace region is known for its delicious wines, and Colmar is no exception. There are several local wineries that produce some of the finest wines in France, and many of them offer tastings and tours.
- Colmar comes alive in the summer months with a number of festivals and events, including the Fete de la Musique and the Colmar International Festival of Classical Music. These events are a great way to experience the city’s vibrant culture and meet locals and other travelers.
- Colmar is located in the heart of the Alsace region, making it a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside. The region is known for its beautiful rolling hills, quaint villages, and excellent hiking and biking trails. Whether you’re interested in nature or history, there’s something for everyone in the Alsace region.
Colmar is a charming city located in the Alsace region of France, known for its picturesque streets, historic buildings, and beautiful natural surroundings. Situated along the banks of the river Lauch, Colmar offers a wealth of cultural and natural attractions for visitors to discover. From its rich history and beautiful old town, to the stunning countryside of the Alsace wine region, Colmar has something for everyone. In this ultimate guide, we will explore all that Colmar has to offer, including its top attractions, best restaurants and cafes, and unique experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. So whether you’re planning a short weekend getaway or a longer holiday, this guide has everything you need to make the most of your trip to Colmar.
1. The Old Town of Colmar
Colmar’s old town is a must-see attraction, with its narrow streets, colorful houses, and picturesque canals. Stroll through the old town and take in the local architecture and history. Be sure to stop by Place des Six-Montagnes-Noires, a charming square that is home to a number of restaurants and cafes.
Here are a few must-see attractions in the old town:
- Place des Six-Montagnes-Noires: This charming square is home to a number of restaurants and cafes, and it’s a great place to sit and people watch.
- Maison des Têtes: This iconic building, located on Place des Six-Montagnes-Noires, is known for its ornate facade, which is adorned with a series of carved stone heads. It’s a great example of the city’s rich architectural heritage.
- St. Martin’s Church: Located in the heart of the old town, St. Martin’s Church is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. It’s worth a visit to see the stunning stained glass windows and the carved stone altars.
- Little Venice: This picturesque neighborhood, located just outside the old town, is known for its charming canals and colorful houses. Take a leisurely stroll along the water and take in the local atmosphere.
- Église des Dominicains: This beautiful church, located just outside the old town, is known for its Gothic architecture and stunning stained glass windows. It’s a great place to stop and appreciate the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
These are just a few of the many attractions that can be found in the old town of Colmar.
Tip: When visiting the old town you should definitely wear comfortable shoes, you will walk around in narrow, cobblestone streets and many steep hills.
2. The Unterlinden Museum
The Unterlinden Museum it is housed in a former monastery and is home to a collection of works by local artists as well as internationally renowned pieces.
The museum’s collection is diverse and wide-ranging, with works spanning from the Middle Ages to the modern day. Some of the highlights include the Isenheim Altarpiece, a stunning work of art by Matthias Grünewald, and a number of Impressionist paintings by artists like Monet, Degas, and Renoir.
In addition to its art collection, the Unterlinden Museum also has a number of exhibits on the city’s history and cultural heritage. There are a number of interactive displays and multimedia exhibits that help bring the museum’s collection to life.
The museum is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Colmar, and it’s a great way to learn about the city’s art and cultural history. Whether you’re an art lover or just interested in learning more about the city, the Unterlinden Museum is a great place to visit.
Tip: The Unterlinden Museum is a popular attraction, so it’s a good idea to buy your tickets in advance to avoid long lines and ensure that you get in. You can purchase tickets online or at the museum’s ticket office.
3. Where to eat and drink
The Alsace region is known for its delicious wines, and Colmar is no exception. Take a tour of a local winery or visit a wine bar to taste some of the finest wines in France. And don’t forget to try some of the local cuisine, including traditional Alsatian dishes like choucroute (sauerkraut) and tarte flambee (a type of thin, crispy pizza).
Colmar is known for its white wines made from grapes such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris. If you’re interested in visiting a winery in Colmar, there are several options to choose from. Here are a few suggestions:
- Domaine Zind-Humbrecht: This family-owned winery has been producing wine in the Alsace region for over 300 years. They offer guided tours of their vineyards and winemaking facilities, as well as tastings of their award-winning wines.
- Cave de Turckheim: This cooperative winery was founded in 1946 and is located in the village of Turckheim, just a short drive from Colmar. They offer guided tours of their facilities and tastings of their wide variety of wines.
- Domaine Weinbach: This family-owned winery is located in the town of Kaysersberg, just a short drive from Colmar. They offer guided tours of their vineyards and winemaking facilities, as well as tastings of their high-quality wines.
- Domaine Marcel Deiss: This winery is located in the village of Bergheim, just a short drive from Colmar. They offer guided tours of their vineyards and winemaking facilities, as well as tastings of their unique terroir-driven wines.
If you’re looking to try the best wine and local food in Colmar, here are a few suggestions:
- Maison des Têtes: This restaurant is located in a beautiful 17th-century building and serves traditional Alsatian cuisine, including dishes like tarte flambée and choucroute. They also have a great selection of local wines.
- Le Bouchon: This restaurant serves traditional French bistro fare and has a great selection of local wines from the Alsace region.
- La Petite Venise: Located in the heart of Colmar’s Old Town, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience on a floating platform in the Ill River. They serve traditional Alsatian dishes and have a great selection of local wines.
- Au Crocodile: This is a classic French brasserie that serves traditional dishes like escargot, foie gras, and coq au vin. They also have a large selection of local wines from the Alsace region.
- La Cloche à Fromage: This cheese shop and cafe serves a variety of local cheeses, as well as dishes like fondue and raclette. They also have a selection of local wines to pair with your cheese.
No matter which restaurant you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the delicious food and wine that Colmar has to offer. Bon appétit!
4. Events and festivals
Colmar comes alive in the summer months with a number of festivals and events, including the Fete de la Musique and the Colmar International Festival of Classical Music. These events are a great way to experience the city’s vibrant culture and meet locals and other travelers.
Here are a few examples of festivals and events that you might enjoy during your visit to Colmar:
- Fête de la Chanson Française: This annual music festival, held in June, features performances by some of France’s most popular singer-songwriters.
- Festival de Musique Baroque: This annual music festival, held in September, features performances of Baroque music by talented musicians from around the world.
- Fête de la Bière: This annual beer festival, held in September, celebrates the rich brewing tradition of the Alsace region. It features tastings of local beers and live music.
- Marché de Noël: Colmar’s Christmas market, held in December, is one of the most popular in France. It features festive stalls selling traditional crafts, decorations, and food, as well as live entertainment.
- Fête de Printemps: This annual spring festival, held in April, celebrates the arrival of spring with live music, dance performances, and food and drink from the Alsace region.
These are just a few examples of the many festivals and events that take place in Colmar throughout the year. Whether you’re interested in music, food, or the arts, you’re sure to find something that interests you during your visit. Enjoy!
5. The Colmar countryside
The Colmar countryside is characterized by rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages with traditional half-timbered houses.
One of the most iconic landmarks of the Colmar countryside is the Alsace Wine Route, a 170-kilometer-long route that winds through the region’s vineyards and wine-producing villages. Along the way, you can visit wineries, taste local wines, and learn about the region’s winemaking traditions.
The Colmar countryside is also home to a number of charming villages and towns, each with its own unique character and history. Some of the most popular destinations include:
- Riquewihr: This charming village is known for its beautiful half-timbered houses and wine production. It’s a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the charming atmosphere and taste the local wines.
- Eguisheim: This charming village is located just a short drive from Colmar and is known for its winding streets and beautiful half-timbered houses. It’s a great place to explore on foot and discover the region’s rich cultural heritage.
- Ribeauvillé: This village is located in the heart of the Alsace wine region and is known for its beautiful castle and winemaking tradition. It’s a great place to visit for wine tastings and to learn about the region’s history.
Overall, the Colmar countryside is a beautiful and picturesque region with a rich cultural heritage and plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Tip: Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beautiful countryside scenery.
To sum up, Colmar is a beautiful and vibrant city located in the Alsace region of France. From its rich cultural heritage and delicious local cuisine to its beautiful countryside and numerous festivals and events, there are many reasons to visit Colmar. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s museums and cultural attractions, participating in festivals and events, or tasting the region’s famous wines and local cuisine, Colmar has something for everyone. If you’re planning a trip to France, be sure to add Colmar to your list of must-visit destinations.
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