Colmar Old Town - A river running through a city next to tall buildings
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Colmar Old Town

4.8
·1k reviews·Colmar, France

Step into a fairytale in Colmar Old Town, a charming Alsatian gem with colorful half-timbered houses and picturesque canals.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, early mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Colmar Old Town - A river running through a city next to tall buildings

Colmar Old Town

Best Time

Weekdays, early mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into a fairytale in Colmar Old Town, a charming Alsatian gem with colorful half-timbered houses and picturesque canals.

4.8
(1k reviews)

"This place is so beautiful it’s almost hard to believe people used to (and still do) live there."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Walk, Don't Drive

The old town is best explored on foot. Wear comfy shoes for cobblestones!

✨ Christmas Magic

Visit during Christmas for enchanting markets and decorations. Book accommodation early!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Little Venice

Little Venice

Canal de la Petite Venise

Wander along the picturesque canals lined with flower-adorned, half-timbered houses. A true postcard-perfect scene.

Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets

Various squares throughout the Old Town

Experience a magical winter wonderland with festive decorations, local crafts, and delicious treats.

Half-Timbered Houses

Half-Timbered Houses

Throughout the Old Town

Marvel at the vibrant, uniquely styled medieval architecture that gives Colmar its fairytale charm.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Fairytale Charm

Colmar Old Town feels like stepping into a storybook. Its colorful half-timbered houses and canals create a magical atmosphere, especially during the Christmas season. Plan your visit to avoid peak crowds for a more intimate experience.

Navigating the Cobblestones

The best way to explore Colmar's charming streets is on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on cobblestones. While cars are restricted in the old town, consider parking options outside the core area if you're driving.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late November - December
Why
Magical Christmas markets
Crowd
High
When
Spring and Fall
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer tourists
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🇫🇷Christmas in Colmar, France🇫🇷 • The Christmas Markets in Colmar are set to open on November 26, 2024, through December 29, 2024. • Colmar, a picturesque town in Alsace, France, transforms into a winter wonderland during its enchanting Christmas market. Nestled amid medieval architecture, the market immerses visitors in a festive ambiance. Cobblestone streets adorned with twinkling lights guide p...
@tworoamtheworld
142.1K likes • 3.3M views

🚶‍♀️ Walk, Don't Drive

The old town is best explored on foot. Wear comfy shoes for cobblestones! Reddit

✨ Christmas Magic

Visit during Christmas for enchanting markets and decorations. Book accommodation early! TikTok

Air bnb in Colmar, France 🇫🇷🤍 #colmar #alsace #france #alsacetourisme #colmarfrance #visitfrance #visitcolmar #airbnb #bestairbnb #traveltiktok #travel
@manda_davidson
100.1K likes • 1.1M views
The Alsace Christmas markets are now open for 2024! You can still get flights to Strasbourg for just £69 return this December (from London) so it’s time to get booking those festive trips to the Christmas capital of the world! Explore the towns of Strasbourg and Colmar for some of the most incredible decorations you’ll ever see, sip on a chocolate or vin chaud and taste some of the delicious local...
@dens_destinations
73K likes • 790.6K views

📸 Capture the Colors

The vibrant buildings are a photographer's dream. Visit early to avoid crowds. TikTok

🍽️ Try Tarte Flambée

Don't miss this local Alsatian specialty, a crispy flatbread pizza. Reddit

The Little Venice of France😍📍Location at the end✨ #france #travelfrance #explorefrance #colmar #travelblog #colmarfrance #travelinspiration #traveltips #saltinourhair
@saltinourhair
38.7K likes • 893.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk, Don't Drive

The old town is best explored on foot. Wear comfy shoes for cobblestones! Reddit

✨ Christmas Magic

Visit during Christmas for enchanting markets and decorations. Book accommodation early! TikTok

📸 Capture the Colors

The vibrant buildings are a photographer's dream. Visit early to avoid crowds. TikTok

🍽️ Try Tarte Flambée

Don't miss this local Alsatian specialty, a crispy flatbread pizza. Reddit

🏡 Unique Stays

Consider an Airbnb for an authentic experience in a historic building. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.8
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Colmar Old Town is overwhelmingly praised for its breathtaking beauty and fairytale-like atmosphere, with many calling it a must-visit gem. Visitors are enchanted by the colorful half-timbered houses and picturesque canals. The main drawback mentioned is the significant number of tourists, particularly on weekends, which can detract from the experience.

"This place is so beautiful it’s almost hard to believe people used to (and still do) live there. Every nook and cranny hides beautiful facades and picturesque displays of little shops and cafes. I’d recommend this gem over more popular European (and even French) destinations."

Ania R

"Cute little Barvarian-style village, lots of neat places to shop and eat. The dish of the Alsace area is Tarte flambée (a flat, crispy crusted pizza) and it's available at almost every restaurant here."

Jake Witteveen

"very pretty restaurant over the river and we stopped to have our lunch and feeding the goose at the same time."

Shalli Ang

What People Like

Fairytale architecture
Picturesque canals
Christmas markets

What People Dislike

Large crowds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way is to fly into Strasbourg (SXB) and take a train to Colmar, or fly into Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL) and take a bus or train. Driving is also an option, but parking in the old town is limited. Consider parking lots outside the pedestrian zone. TikTok

Absolutely! The entire old town is best explored on foot. The charming cobblestone streets are perfect for leisurely strolls. Reddit

The train is the most convenient and fastest option, taking about 30 minutes. You can also find cheaper family tickets on weekends from Strasbourg. TikTokReddit

While the old town is compact and walkable, there are tourist trains and boat tours available for a different perspective. TikTok

Parking in the immediate old town is restricted. Several paid parking garages and lots are available on the outskirts, such as Parking des Maréchaux or Parking Rapp. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Colmar Old Town is a public area and does not require an entrance ticket. You can wander freely through its streets and admire the architecture. TikTok

The old town is always accessible. However, individual shops, restaurants, and attractions within the old town have their own operating hours, typically from morning to evening. TikTok

While the town itself is free to explore, specific attractions like museums or boat tours will have their own admission fees. TikTok

The Colmar Christmas Markets typically open in late November and run until late December. Check the official tourism website for exact dates each year. TikTok+1

On weekends, you might find cheaper family tickets from Strasbourg for Colmar and the region. Look out for special offers during off-peak seasons. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Little Venice, the Quai de la Poisonnerie, and any street with colorful half-timbered houses are prime photo locations. Early mornings offer the best light and fewest people. TikTok

Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) provides beautiful light. Weekdays and early mornings are ideal to avoid crowds and get unobstructed shots. TikTok

Drone usage is generally restricted in populated areas and historical sites due to privacy and safety regulations. It's best to check local drone laws before flying. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the charming streets and buildings. A versatile zoom lens is also useful. Don't forget a tripod for low-light shots, especially during Christmas markets. TikTok

Yes, the Christmas markets, illuminated streets, and festive decorations create a magical backdrop. Capturing the lights and atmosphere is a must. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You must try Tarte Flambée (a thin, crispy pizza-like dish), Choucroute Garnie (sauerkraut with various meats), and local Alsatian wines like Riesling or Gewürztraminer. Reddit

Numerous restaurants line the canals and charming streets. Look for traditional Alsatian cuisine. Many offer outdoor seating by the river. Reddit

While traditional Alsatian cuisine is meat-heavy, many restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian options. Look for dishes featuring local vegetables and cheeses. Reddit

Restaurants generally serve lunch from around 12 PM to 2 PM and dinner from 7 PM to 10 PM. Some may close between lunch and dinner. Reddit

While some visitors enjoy feeding the geese, it's generally discouraged as it can disrupt the local ecosystem and hygiene. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Colmar Old Town offers a fairytale experience that children will adore. The colorful buildings and canals of Little Venice are captivating. Consider a ride on the tourist train for a fun and easy way to see the sights without little legs getting tired. TikTok Many restaurants offer kid-friendly options, and the open spaces in squares allow for some freedom to explore. Visiting during the Christmas markets adds an extra layer of magic with festive treats and decorations. TikTok

📸 Photographers

Colmar is a photographer's paradise. The vibrant, unique architecture and picturesque canals provide endless opportunities for stunning shots. TikTok For the best light and to avoid crowds, aim for early mornings on weekdays. The 'Little Venice' area and the Quai de la Poissonnerie are particularly photogenic. During the Christmas season, the illuminated markets offer a magical, albeit busy, photographic experience. TikTok

❤️ Couples

Colmar's romantic ambiance makes it an ideal destination for couples. Stroll hand-in-hand through the charming streets, enjoy a boat ride on the canals of Little Venice, and savor a meal at a riverside restaurant. TikTok The town's fairytale-like setting, especially when illuminated during the Christmas season, creates a truly magical and memorable experience. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enchanting Christmas Markets

Colmar is renowned as the 'Christmas Capital of the World,' and for good reason. From late November to late December, the old town transforms into a magical wonderland with multiple themed Christmas markets scattered across its squares. Each market offers a unique ambiance, featuring local crafts, festive decorations, mulled wine, gingerbread, and other seasonal delicacies. The sheer beauty of the illuminated half-timbered houses against the backdrop of the Christmas markets is an unforgettable sight. TikTok+3

Visitors often rave about the immersive atmosphere and the sheer scale of the decorations. It's a perfect destination for those seeking a quintessential European Christmas experience. However, due to its popularity, these markets can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends. Booking accommodation well in advance is highly recommended if you plan to visit during this peak season. TikTokReddit

Exploring Little Venice

The area known as 'Little Venice' is arguably the most picturesque part of Colmar Old Town. Here, the Lauch river flows gently through the heart of the town, lined with charming, colorful half-timbered houses adorned with flowers. It evokes a serene, almost dreamlike quality, reminiscent of its namesake in Italy. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the canals, taking in the stunning reflections in the water and the unique architecture. TikTok

For a different perspective, consider a boat tour along the canals. These short excursions offer a unique vantage point of the buildings and bridges, providing a relaxing way to soak in the beauty of the area. Many reviewers highlight this as a must-do activity for experiencing the full charm of Colmar. TikTok The area is particularly beautiful in spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom, but it retains its charm year-round. TikTok

Architectural Marvels

Colmar's Old Town is a living museum of Alsatian architecture, characterized by its distinctive half-timbered houses. These buildings, with their steeply pitched roofs, exposed wooden beams, and brightly painted facades in hues of yellow, blue, pink, and green, create a visually stunning and unique urban landscape. The style is a fascinating blend of French and German influences, reflecting the region's rich history. Reddit

Walking through the narrow, winding streets, you'll discover intricate details on the buildings, from ornate window frames to carved wooden signs. Each corner turned reveals a new, postcard-worthy view. The preservation of this architectural heritage is remarkable, making Colmar a truly special place to explore. Reddit Many visitors are struck by how well-maintained and authentic the town feels, almost as if stepping back in time. Reddit

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