Colmar is a delight with its well-preserved medieval architecture. Walking along the cobbled streets, you can admire the colorful, frame houses lining the canals. The characteristic, beautifully decorated Maison des Têtes building is a testament to the city’s rich history. And the Petite Venise district gives the city a wonderful atmosphere, where you can sail on a canal boat and admire the reflections of the buildings in the water.
The local markets are a great place to sample regional delicacies and buy handicrafts.Outside the city limits, the villages of Riquewihr and Eguisheim are worth a visit, known for their vineyards and medieval charm.
The Unterlinden Museum houses an excellent collection of works of art, including the famous Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald. The museum’s modern architecture blends in perfectly with the historical surroundings.
Location
Colmar is located in northeast France in the Grand Est region, in the Haut-Rhin department, of which it is the capital. Close to the German and Swiss borders.
La Petite Venise de Colmar (Little Venice of Colmar)
The little Venice Colmar earns its nickname from the canal-like Lauch River that divides its two banks, each lined with half-timbered fishermen’s homes that seem plucked straight from a fairytale.
Little Venice Colmar, is with its many boutique hotels, restaurants, winstubs, pastries, and shops, a traditional old medieval areas best preserved, picturesque, set values, flowery, typical, and visited Colmar, and ‘Alsace. Traditional boats rides are organized on the Lauch, like the gondolas of Venice, between the covered market of Colmar and former marchages (current green residential district of Colmar).
Ancienne Douane
This public square, nestled in the heart of Colmar, captivates visitors with its enchanting charm and rich historical background. The square’s name, which translates to “Place of the Old Customs House,” reflects its historical role as a center of trade and commerce. Le Koïfhus est un monument historique square and C’est le plus ancien bâtiment public local.
Maison des Têtes
Beautiful architecture La Maison des Têtes delights tourists. It’s a small hotel housed in a unique 1609 building, named after the sculpted heads adorning its facade. Inside, the house has been completely renovated and, thanks to its owners, Marilyn and Éric Girardin, it now houses not one but two refined restaurants: the charming Brasserie Historique and the Restaurant Girardin, awarded a MICHELIN star.
Unterlinden Museum
The Unterlinden museum housed in a 13th-century cloister is certainly the most beautiful museum of fine arts in France in the countryside, it is also the most visited one with an incredible collection of works of art from the 15th to the 18th century.
An underground gallery con-sisting of three exhibition rooms passes underneath the Place Unterlinden and the canal. Visitors can also enjoy spaces including the cloister garden, the museum orchard, the Café and shop.
Bartholdi Museum
The family home of Auguste Bartholdi (1834-1904) is one of the most important attractions of the city. Creator of the Statue of Liberty, the Lion of Belfort and many other works in Colmar. It houses a museum dedicated to this emblematic artist. In rooms spread over 3 floors, models of his monuments from several cities are exhibited. A special place is occupied by the original models of Bartholdi’s masterpieces, the Statue of Liberty in New York and the Lion of Belfort.
You can also visit the living quarters with family furniture and personal memorabilia of the artist, not forgetting the room with a beautiful collection of Jewish art and another reserved for temporary exhibitions.
Colmar Municipal Theatre
The Théâtre municipal de Colmar is a theater located in the Rue Kleber, next to the Unterlinden Museum. The building was constructed between 1847 and 1849, to replace an old part of the Unterlinden convent. It was opened on 8 March 1849 and underwent a restoration in 2000. It displays a French stylish exterior with five bays. The interior design is the work of Boulangé. The yearly attendance is about 30,000.
Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin in Colmar
The Collegiate Church of San Martin is located near the city center. Constructed between the 13th and 14th centuries, the church has a High Gothic choir and other ornate decorative details.
The residents of Colmar often refer to this church as a cathedral, however technically it was only a cathedral for ten years from 1790 to 1801. Nonetheless, the architectural style reflects the grandeur of a medieval cathedral.
Marché Couvert Colmar
Marché Couvert Colmar, housed in a historic 19th-century building, is a vibrant indoor market where visitors can explore a wide range of stalls offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses and other local delicacies. The market is known for its emphasis on regional products, offering a taste of Alsatian culture and cuisine. In addition to food, the market also features flower, wine and craft vendors.
