· FR

Colmar

Colmar, Grand Est, France

Step into a Fairytale: Discover the Magic of Colmar, France Nestled amidst the rolling vineyards of Alsace, Colmar, France (Grand Est region) is a captivating blend of history, culture, and architectural wonder. Imagine …

#Historic town#Alsatian architecture#Canals#Wine region#Christmas markets

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Colmar.

Top Hotels in Colmar

Top Flights to Colmar

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Colmar.

Tours

Explore Old Town Colmar

Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Colmar's Old Town, filled with colorful half-timbered houses and picturesque canals.

Shopping

Shopping in Colmar Market Hall

Discover local products and delicacies in the historic indoor market of Colmar.

Outdoor

Hiking in Vosges Mountains

Experience the natural beauty of the Vosges Mountains with a variety of hiking trails for different skill levels.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Colmar.

Currency

€ | EUR | Euro

Population

94,000

Languages

French, French, German

Average weather

Colmar

Jan

4°-1°

Feb

6°0°

Mar

11°2°

Apr

15°5°

May

19°9°

Jun

23°13°

Jul

26°15°

Aug

25°14°

Sep

21°11°

Oct

15°7°

Nov

9°3°

Dec

5°0°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Colmar.

What people love

Colmar, located in the Grand Est region of France, is a charming and picturesque town known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, colorful half-timbered houses, and beautiful canals. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Colmar:

Historic Old Town: Colmar's Old Town is a delight to explore, with its cobblestone streets, winding alleys, and quaint squares. Visitors can admire the well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture, including the iconic half-timbered houses that date back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
Little Venice: Colmar is often referred to as "Little Venice" because of its charming canals lined with flower-decked bridges and waterfront cafes. Taking a boat ride along the canals offers a unique perspective of the town and allows visitors to appreciate its beauty from the water.
Culture and History: Colmar is rich in history and culture, with several museums and attractions to explore. The Unterlinden Museum, housed in a former 13th-century convent, is home to an impressive collection of art and artifacts, including the Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald.
Wine and Gastronomy: The Alsace region, where Colmar is located, is renowned for its wine production and gastronomy. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings at local wineries, sample traditional Alsatian dishes such as tarte flambée and choucroute garnie, and visit the vibrant local markets to taste regional specialties.
Scenic Surroundings: Colmar is surrounded by picturesque vineyards, rolling hills, and charming villages, making it a great base for exploring the Alsace Wine Route and the nearby Vosges Mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities in the beautiful natural surroundings.

Overall, traveling to Colmar offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the Alsace region in a charming and welcoming setting.

Enjoy your trip to Colmar!

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Colmar, France, could include:

Language Barrier: While many people in Colmar may speak English, French is the dominant language. If you do not speak French, you may experience some communication challenges.
Tourist Crowds: Colmar is a popular tourist destination, especially during peak seasons. This can lead to crowded streets, restaurants, and attractions, making it harder to fully enjoy the experience.
Weather: The weather in Colmar can be unpredictable, with cold winters and potentially rainy summers. It's important to pack accordingly and be prepared for varying conditions.
Expensive: As a popular tourist destination, prices in Colmar can be higher compared to other less touristy areas in France. Accommodation, dining, and activities may be more costly.
Limited Public Transportation: While Colmar is a relatively small city, the public transportation options may be limited, making it more difficult to get around if you don't have a car.
Lack of Diversity: Like many small towns in France, Colmar may lack diversity in terms of cuisine, activities, and cultural experiences. If you are looking for a more cosmopolitan experience, you may find Colmar to be limited in this regard.
Limited Nightlife: Colmar is known for its charming old town and historical attractions, but the nightlife scene may not be as vibrant as in larger cities. If you are looking for a bustling nightlife, you may be disappointed.

Please note that these are potential cons based on general travel experiences and may not apply to everyone. It's always a good idea to research further and consider your own preferences and priorities when planning a trip to Colmar.

Colmar is a city located in the Grand Est region of northeastern France. It is the capital of the Haut-Rhin department. The city is renowned for its well-preserved old town, its numerous architectural landmarks, and its museums, making it a popular tourist destination in the Alsace region.

Early History

Colmar was first mentioned in a text from the 9th century, specifically in the year 823, when it was referred to in a Carolingian document. The city gained importance during the Middle Ages due to its strategic location and became a center of trade and culture.

Middle Ages and Renaissance

In the 13th century, Colmar became a free imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire, which granted it a certain degree of autonomy. This status allowed Colmar to flourish economically and culturally. During this period, many of the city's significant buildings were constructed, including several churches and half-timbered houses that still stand today.

In 1354, Colmar joined the Décapole, a league of ten free imperial cities in Alsace that collaborated for mutual defense and economic prosperity. This alliance was important for maintaining the city's independence and managing its affairs.

Religious and Political Turmoil

The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century brought religious conflict to Colmar, as it did to much of Europe. The city, like the rest of Alsace, saw tensions between Catholics and Protestants. However, Colmar managed to remain relatively stable during these turbulent times.

17th and 18th Century

After the Thirty Years' War, the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 resulted in Alsace being annexed by France, although Colmar maintained some of its traditional privileges. During the reign of Louis XIV, efforts were made to integrate the city more fully into the French kingdom.

19th Century and Franco-Prussian War

In the 19th century, Colmar, like much of Alsace, found itself caught between France and Germany. Following the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, Alsace was annexed by the newly formed German Empire. Colmar remained under German control until the end of World War I.

World Wars and Modern Era

After World War I, the Treaty of Versailles returned Colmar to France. The city was occupied by Germany again during World War II but was liberated by the Allies in February 1945.

Significant Figures

Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi: Born in Colmar in 1834, Bartholdi is best known as the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the United States.
Martin Schongauer: A prominent painter and engraver of the late 15th century, Schongauer was born in Colmar and is celebrated for his detailed and expressive engravings.

Important Landmarks

Unterlinden Museum: Housed in a former convent, the museum hosts a wide array of art, including the famous Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald.
St. Martin's Church: A stunning example of Gothic architecture, this church was built in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Maison des Têtes: Built in 1609, this Renaissance building is famous for its façade adorned with numerous carved heads.
Little Venice: A picturesque district of Colmar, known for its charming canals and half-timbered houses, reminiscent of Venice.

Colmar today is celebrated for its beautiful historic center, cultural heritage, and vibrant festivals, including its famous Christmas markets. It remains a city where history and culture are deeply intertwined.