Visit Colmar
A jewel of the Alsace wine route, Colmar charms with its colorful half-timbered houses and its Little Venice district crossed by canals. Between flower-lined streets, preserved medieval heritage and renowned Christmas markets, the city offers an escape full of picturesque, authentic charm.
Why visit Colmar?
Colmar combines a remarkably preserved historic center, famous for its colorful half-timbered houses and its Little Venice district crossed by canals. A landmark stop on the Alsace wine route, the city is also home to the Unterlinden Museum and its famous Issenheim Altarpiece, as well as Christmas markets among the most visited in France.
Highlights
The sites that made Colmar famous.
Little Venice
Picturesque district crossed by canals, lined with half-timbered houses and flower-covered bridges.
Unterlinden Museum
Art museum housing the famous Issenheim Altarpiece, a masterpiece of gothic painting.
Maison Pfister
Iconic Renaissance house, adorned with frescoes and a carved wooden loggia.
Krutenau District
Former fishermen's and market gardeners' quarter, with narrow streets and colorful houses.
Alsace Wine Route
Wine trail running through vineyards and typical villages around Colmar.
Christmas Markets
Renowned Christmas markets, animating the squares and streets of the historic center every winter.
What to discover in Colmar?
Colmar's historic center stands out for its colorful half-timbered houses, especially concentrated in the Little Venice district, where canals and flower-covered bridges recall the former tanners' and market gardeners' quarter. The Krutenau district and the Maison Pfister are among the city's most photographed architectural ensembles.
Colmar is also home to the Unterlinden Museum, which houses the famous Issenheim Altarpiece, a masterpiece of late gothic painting. A must-see stop on the Alsace wine route, the city is an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding wine villages. Every year, its Christmas markets draw many visitors to the decorated streets of the historic center.
Practical Information
Region
Grand Est
Country
France
Population
About 70,000 inhabitants (city)
Language
French
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time zone
UTC+1 / UTC+2 (daylight saving)
Climate
Semi-continental, warm summers and cold winters
Best season
May to September, and December for the Christmas markets
Colmar in pictures
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Colmar?
Spring and summer (May to September) offer pleasant weather for strolling through the flower-lined streets, while December attracts visitors for the Christmas market atmosphere.
How do you get around Colmar?
The historic center is easily explored on foot, its compact size making it easy to reach both Little Venice and the Unterlinden Museum without difficulty.
How much time should you plan for a visit to Colmar?
One day allows you to discover the essentials of the historic center and Little Venice, two days to add the Unterlinden Museum and the surrounding wine villages.
Are Colmar's Christmas markets worth visiting?
Yes, the city hosts several Christmas markets spread across the historic center, among the most visited in France during the Advent period.
Do you need a visa to visit Colmar?
Entry into France depends on the visitor's nationality; travelers from the Schengen area do not need a visa, but it is recommended to check requirements beforehand.
What day trips can you take from Colmar?
The Alsace wine route, the villages of Eguisheim and Riquewihr, and Strasbourg are among the popular day trips accessible from the city.
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