Colmar Old Town (Vieux Colmar)
Rue des Tanneurs, Colmar, Grand Est
A highlight along the Alsace Wine Route, Colmar’s compact and lovingly preserved medieval center is renowned for its postcard-worthy prettiness. Come here to admire the town’s half-timbered buildings painted rainbow colors, fishing boats bobbing along the flower-lined canal ways, and a maze of cobblestone lanes dotted with small cafés and artisan shops.
Colmar Old Town’s main sights can be easily explored on a walking tour, including architectural gems such as the dramatic Maison des Têtes, 16th-century wooden Maison Pfister, and the pink sandstone St. Martin Church. Additional highlights of Colmar include Mathias Grünewald’s 16th-century Isenheim Altarpiece at the Unterlinden Museum; the Bartholdi museum, dedicated to the Colmar-born architect (best known for designing the Statue of Liberty); and La Petite Venise (Little Venice), where you can enjoy a boat tour around the scenic canal ways.
Take a tour in a minibus cabriolet to go farther afield to the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle along the wine route to Riquewihr and Kaysersberg. If you have the time, and are in the mood to splurge, take a luxurious gourmet multi-day gastronomy and wine tour.
- Colmar Old Town is an ideal spot for art, history, and architecture buffs as well as foodies and wine connoisseurs.
- Many of the tours are not wheelchair accessible; be sure to check beforehand.
- The narrow cobblestone streets are challenging for strollers and those requiring mobility assistance.
Colmar Old Town is located about 44 miles (70 kilometers) south of Strasbourg in the Alsace region of France. A train ride from Strasbourg to Colmar takes about 40 minutes. The medieval center has narrow cobblestone streets and parking is limited.
The most atmospheric time to visit Colmar Old Town is during the Foire aux Vins wine festival held each summer, or during the annual Christmas market when the entire town comes alive with festivities. Peak season is July and August; to avoid crowds come in late spring and early autumn when the weather is still warm.
Looking out across the Alsace plain within the majestic Vosges Mountains, this striking pink sandstone castle is a classic fairy tale fantasy. Built in the 12th century and extensively renovated in the early 20th century, the towering fortress is a popular attraction along the Alsace Wine Route. Pass through its gate and enter into the medieval world.
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