Little Venice (Petite Venise)

It won't take long to see Little Venice, which stretches only a few blocks. Stroll along the river and across flowery footbridges for views of medieval river houses once belonging to Alcace’s powerful fishing and farming families. In summer, hire a gondola for Venetian-inspired cruising. Head to historic Marche Couvert (covered market) on the north bank for Alsatian wine, cheeses, and other delicacies. Some sightseeing tours and Rhine River shore excursions departing from Strasbourg stop here.

• Commentary on boat tours is generally provided in both French and English.

• Make a reservation if you plan to dine at a riverside restaurant in the evening, as tables often fill up, especially in summer and at Christmastime.

• A public restroom is available at Marche Couvert.

• Many of Colmar’s uneven cobblestone streets and footbridges are not wheelchair accessible.

Little Venice stretches between Pont Saint-Pierre and Rue des Tanneurs in Colmar. If arriving by car, park in the small outdoor parking lot called Parking Marché aux Fruits nearby. The Colmar train station is about a half mile (1 kilometer) away via Avenue de la République and rue Bruat.

Little Venice is especially charming in December, when the half-timbered houses, bridges, and cafes are adorned with Christmas decorations.

If Little Venice leaves you craving more storybook scenery, venture an hour upriver to the town of Strasbourg—a popular stop on Rhine River cruises and the seat of European Parliament. Strasbourg boasts both French and German architectural influences in its picturesque historic center surrounded by the River Ill tributary, known as La Petite France. Keep your camera handy as you stroll down cobblestone lanes and across medieval stone bridges to view the district’s three islands.

Little Venice is the nickname given to the French town of Colmar. “La Petite Venise” earned this nickname for its channels around the River Lauch, which offers a scenic backdrop reminiscent of the Italian city of Venice. This pretty district is home to restaurants, bars, and canal views.

The summer months of July and August are very popular for exploring Little Venice. People looking to skip the crowds but soak up the charming atmosphere reminiscent of Italy’s Venice may prefer visiting Colmar in the quieter spring months or the cool but lovely fall months.

Some people visit Little Venice, or Colmar, for just a single day to see the canals and relax over a meal. Other visitors choose to stay for up to a week and use Colmar as a home base for exploring the Alsace region, which is famous for wine.

Travelers looking to reach Colmar from Paris can utilize efficient train services. Expect a pleasant train ride of just under 3 hours to travel from Paris to Colmar. This French town is a common base for exploring the Alsace wine region.

The town of Colmar in France, nicknamed Little Venice or ‘La Petite Venise,’ is often noted for its similarities to the Italian city of Venice. Canals are a charming backdrop to a historic town full of bridges, restaurants, and colorful architecture.

The town of Colmar in France is notable for two reasons. First, it is often called Little Venice for its network of canals that resemble the Italian town of Venice, providing a charming backdrop. Second, it is a popular base for exploring the wider Alsace wine region.