Colmar, located in the Alsace region of northeastern France, is a small city, celebrated for its mediaeval architecture, cultural heritage, local wines and world-famous Christmas markets.
Spend one day in Colmar, known as the “Capital of Alsatian Wine”, to explore the cobblestone streets, home to iconic half-timbered houses and tour the scenic canals of Little Venice.
Perched on the border between France and Germany, this city’s history reflects a blend of cultural influences, evident in its traditions, local culinary scene and architecture.
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How Many Days in Colmar?
Colmar is a relatively small city, so it is easy enough to visit in one day as part of a road trip or a day trip from nearby Strasbourg.
To make the most of your day trip to Colmar, ideally you would have a full day from morning until the evening. But if you are limited to half a day or are just stopping on your way through to another destination, it is still worth a visit.
There is plenty to see and do to fill a day in the town itself but if you have longer to spend in the region, you could easily spend a day or two exploring the nearby Vosges national park or take a tour of the Alsace wine route.
Getting To & Around Colmar
If you are travelling from a nearby European city, the most convenient way to reach Colmar is by train. There are several options including the high-speed TGV train from Paris which takes between 2.5 – 3 hours.
You can also travel from Basel which crosses the France/Germany border in around 45 minutes or from the nearby city of Strasbourg in just 30 minutes. Making Colmar an excellent option for those who are spending time in the city and want to discover more of the Alsace region. You can view train schedules here.
If you’re not spending the night in Colmar, there are also organised tours that you can take such as this full-day tour or this organised tour from Strasbourg.
If you are hoping to reach Colmar from further afield, the nearest airport is Strasbourg Airport and EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg. From these airports, you can either rent a car, take a train, or use a shuttle service to reach Colmar.
Travelling by car from another European city is also an option, and who doesn’t love a road trip? To reach Colmar from Paris, it takes between 5-6 hours depending on traffic.
You could easily drive across from Germany or even Switzerland but you may want to dedicate more time to your trip if you are travelling from further afield.
Local buses also run from nearby towns and cities but often take longer than the trains and the price is usually comparable but if you are travelling on a budget, it may be worth checking the bus routes and comparing to the trains.
1-Day Colmar Itinerary
Instantly recognisable by its traditional half-timbered houses, Colmar is so much more than just a photogenic city on the border between France and Germany. Discover the canals of ‘Little Venice’ (La Petite Venise) by boat, tuck into local cuisine and visit renowned museums.
If you are visiting over the festive period, you can’t miss the world famous Colmar Christmas market. The perfect blend of French and German festivities.
Little Venice
Without a doubt, the best way to see Colmar’s most picturesque district is from the water. Little Venice is the name given to one of the nicest corners of the town, where the colourful merchants’ houses meet the Launch River, originating in the Vosges mountains.
Take a short stroll around the villages, getting lost exploring the cobblestone streets and visiting local shops (or even the Marché Couvert Colmar – the covered market hall) until you reach the iconic Saint-Pierre Bridge.
From here, there are several boat trips available on the traditional flat-bottomed boats the tanners, fishermen and garden merchants would have originally used to navigate the river.
The local guides are a fountain of knowledge and will give you some historic and cultural context whilst you take in the scenery. The district is known as Quai de la poissonnerie – or the former fishmonger’s district. If you want to take a boat trip, especially during the peak summer season, it’s best to get there early to avoid the crowds.
After touring the Launch River by boat, Little Venice is the perfect place to grab a morning coffee and a pastry before heading on to our next stop.
Bartholdi Museum
Next, take the short stroll from Little Venice, up towards the Old Town district. Pass by the Schwendi Fountain, crafted by the sculptor, Frédéric Bartholdi. Fans of Disney movies will recognise this fountain from Beauty and the Beast.
Dedicated to the world-famous sculptor, Frédéric Bartholdi, this museum is set within his family home. Whilst you may not recognise the Bartholdi name, you are sure to be familiar with one of his most famous pieces, the Statue of Liberty.
Discover models of his work alongside personal artefacts and information boards.
Old Town
Colmar’s Old Town district is packed full of vibrant half-timber merchants houses, quirky buildings, cafes, restaurants and boutiques. It’s easily one of the most picturesque old towns in Europe so don’t forget to pack your camera.
The main street, Grand Rue, is home to Maison dite “au Pèlerin”, one of the most photographed buildings in the city. The Pfister House with its intricately carved facade and balconies is another must-see building, built in the Renaissance era.
Take a stroll down Rue des Marchands, one of the most famous streets in Colmar. This is the perfect place to discover some of the Alsace cuisine in a local restaurant and go souvenir shopping. If you want to learn more about the history of the town, consider joining a walking tour.
Saint Martin’s Church
You can’t miss Saint Martin’s Church whilst strolling around the Old Town. This impressive Gothic church is a key historical site in Colmar.
Dating back to the 13th century, this imposing structure can be seen from multiple streets but to really appreciate the grandeur, approach from Rue de l’Église then either head inside or walk around to take in the large stained glass windows.
Unterlinden Museum
Just outside of the city centre, you’ll find the Unterlinden Museum, housed in a beautiful former monastery. If you only have time to visit one museum during your day in Colmar, this one is definitely a must visit.
Home to the famous Matthias Grünewald’s Isenheim Altarpiece and Martin Schongauer’s The Madonna in the Rose Bower alongside a vast collection of artwork from the middle ages to the modern day.
Here, you will also find a remarkable collection of mediaeval and Renaissance sculptures, tapestries, and stained glass.
Dinner
No Colmar day trip would be complete without sampling the local cuisine and of course, wine from the Alsace region.
You won’t find the usual French cuisine here, this region blends the French and neighbouring German flavours.
Signature dishes include tarte flambée, a thin, crispy flatbread topped with cream, onions, and bacon lardons, and choucroute garnie, a dish of sauerkraut served with various sausages and meats.
Baeckeoffe, a slow-cooked stew of marinated meat, potatoes, and vegetables, is another traditional favourite.
Desserts feature treats like Kugelhopf, a soft, yeasted cake, and Bredele, traditional Christmas cookies.
Alsace is a renowned wine region, particularly celebrated for its white wines like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Blanc. As you’d expect, these wines pair perfectly with local dishes.
Have 2 Days in Colmar?
Alsace Wine Route
The Alsace Wine Route, or “Route des Vins d’Alsace,” is a picturesque 170 km road trip through the heart of the Alsace wine region.
This scenic route, established in 1953, winds its way through a string of charming villages, lush vineyards, and rolling hills visiting as many local wineries as you can fit in along the way.
The most famous wines from the region include Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat. The region’s unique climate contributes to the distinctive characteristics of these wines, known for their complexity and crispness.
Make your way through charming villages like Riquewihr, Eguisheim, and Kaysersberg, each home to traditional half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and vibrant flower displays.
Many of these villages are also home to excellent restaurants, giving you the perfect opportunity to pair the wines with delicious regional dishes. You can join a group full-day tour or book a private tour so you don’t have to worry about driving!
Eguisheim
If you don’t have time to tackle the full Alsace wine route but still want to head off into the countryside to experience the more quaint side of this region, Eguisheim is a must-visit village.
The heart of the wine route, this is the perfect place to experience the region’s bounty without taking on the full 170 km route.
There are endless beautiful villages in France, so to hold the title as one of the country’s most beautiful, Eguisheim is something special. The village’s circular layout, half-timber houses and narrow winding streets make it feel like it has been plucked straight out of a storybook.
This mediaeval village is not only visually stunning but is also steeped in history. Eguisheim is the birthplace of Pope Leo IX, with plenty of culture to digest and historic sites to visit like the castle of the Counts of Eguisheim and the Saint Peter and Paul Church.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is a short 45-minute train ride away, making these two Alsace cities practically neighbours. If you are craving some city life, the hustle and bustle of the capital of Alsace, a day trip to Strasbourg would be a great way to spend an extra day in the area.
Known for its blend of French and German architectural influences, Strasbourg is home to the impressive Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, famous for its astronomical clock and panoramic views from the tower.
The city’s historic centre, the Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring more of those charming half-timbered houses and picturesque canals, especially in the Petite France district. Numerous museums, theatres, and the renowned Christmas markets await.
Vosges Mountains
On the other hand, if you’d rather escape the hustle of city life and head into the wilderness, the Vosges Mountains are within easy reach from Colmar in around 30 minutes by car.
Lush forests, rolling hills, and picturesque valleys, this natural haven is a hiker’s dream. Endless trails to explore including a section of the Alpine traverse national trail, the GR5.
During the colder months, the mountains transform into a snowy winter wonderland, offering skiing and other winter sports. The area is also rich in history, with remnants of ancient fortifications and World War I battlefields.
Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg
One for the history enthusiasts, Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg is a 12th century, mediaeval castle perched atop a hill in the Vosges Mountains near the town of Orschwiller.
This perfectly preserved fortress, is home to grand halls, an armoury, and lush gardens, giving you a fascinating insight into the mediaeval lifestyle and military architecture.
Having been destroyed and rebuilt several times, it was meticulously restored in the early 20th century under the guidance of German Kaiser Wilhelm II, who wanted to showcase the grandeur of mediaeval architecture.
From the castle itself there are breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Alsatian plains, stretching as far as the Black Forest in Germany.
Munster Valley
The Munster Valley is another hidden gem in the Vosges Mountains, just outside of Colmar. The valley is named after the town of Munster, which is famous for producing the renowned Munster cheese, a soft, aromatic cheese that is a staple of Alsatian cuisine.
If you want to learn more about the production of this protected cheese, make sure to visit the Versant du Soleil farm. Here you can take a guided tour, led by the farmer himself who will take you on an informative journey along the production process.
There are plenty of opportunities to sample the cheese throughout the tour and you can fill a basket in their small shop at the end if you’d like to take some home with you.
Surrounded by verdant hills and lush forests, the Munster Valley is also the ideal destination for hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching.
Where to Stay in Colmar
Hotel Saint-Martin – A 3-star hotel in the centre of Colmar’s Old Town, this is an excellent mid-range option. There are lots of spacious rooms perfect for families or couples and a good breakfast available in the mornings.
Hotel Le Colombier – A lovely luxe option in Colmar, this hotel has lots of gorgeous rooms and suites to choose from (all with a mini bar!) along with an on-site bar, a great terrace, free parking, a fitness centre and a fab breakfast.
Les Gites Du Retable – Those looking for an entire flat will love these apartments in the centre of Colmar. Offering studios, one and two-bedroom flats, they are all fully equipped with everything you may need during your stay.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Colmar hotels!
Perched on the border between France and Germany, Colmar is a fascinating city with a blend of cultures. A destination for both city hoppers and nature enthusiasts, spending even a short amount of time in Colmar really offers something for everyone.
Are you planning to visit Colmar? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!
