Things to do in Colmar: Sights, Food & Fairytale Moments

My son shares my love for charming, authentic places dripping with character.  (The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!). We were delighted when he and his girlfriend decided to join us in Nice this winter, but they also wanted to travel around a bit. He designed an itinerary, choosing the fairytale town of Colmar, quite by chance, not knowing that the last time we had been there was when we were pregnant with him, 30 years ago!  With so many things to do in Colmar, it’s hard to tell who was most excited to visit this enchanting city! 

The Best Time to Visit Colmar

In 1995, we came in July, and I had fond memories of canals lined with overflowing flower boxes and narrow lanes meandering past colorful half-timbered houses.  Would we be disappointed at the beginning of March?  Winter has its own appeal, but the festive Christmas markets would have been neatly tucked away for next December.  

Rolling our suitcases the few blocks from the train station, we soon realized there is no bad time to visit Colmar!    Despite a slight chill in the air, the sun still warmed the brightly colored houses and danced on the waterways.   We couldn’t wait to start exploring. 

Where to Stay in Colmar

We had chosen the Hôtel le Maréchal, and once again, we were not disappointed!  This 4-star hotel is a historic building dating from 1565, and is one of the most iconic buildings of Colmar.  There are 30 romantic rooms and suites, each with its own personal decor.  Our room looked over the canal, and our son’s room was filled with original beams at every turn.  Literally!   Each room was outfitted with sumptuous bedding and all of the modern comforts.   

Hôtel Le Maréchal – 5 Pl. des 6 Montagnes Noires, 68000 Colmar, France

What to See and Do in Colmar

Once we settled in, we set off to explore.  In just a few steps was the most photographed spot, where a pedestrian street crosses over little wooden boats lazily coasting down the canal.  We had found the romantic “lock bridge” (officially called the Pont de la Petite Venise) where couples immortalize their love, attaching red heart-shaped locks on the railing of the Lauch River.  The kids ducked into the souvenir shop to buy their heart-shaped cadenet.    After carefully signing their initials, Natalie locked theirs in place, receiving applause from a boat full of young girls floating under the bridge. 

Quartier de la Krutenau (La Petite Venice)

The bridge is just the start of the Quartier de la Krutenau, or Little Venice.  With both the tranquil water and the cobblestone streets beckoning, we had to make a choice.  We decided to start exploring on foot return and take a boat during the magical light of dusk.  We wandered past houses in soft, confectionery shades, straight out of La Belle et la Bête, ending up at the Beauty and The Beast Fountain (technically called la Fontaine Schwendi).  Cue the music:  

There goes the baker with his tray, like always

The same old bread and rolls to sell

Every morning just the same

Since the morning that we came

To this poor provincial town

The only “problem” with this town? You’ll never want to put your camera away. Just when you think you’ve captured the perfect shot, you turn a corner and—voilà—another postcard moment appears. But don’t rush. Let yourself linger and look closer. That soft blue house? It once belonged to a fisherman. The warm yellow one? A baker’s home. There’s a quiet poetry to the colors here, each telling its own little story.

 Look up and you might spot a stork’s nest balanced high above, like a crown on the rooftops. All around, the buildings are adorned with symbols—religious figures, coats of arms, intricate carvings that speak of old trades and proud craftsmanship. It’s the kind of place that gently asks you to slow down, to look up, to wonder.

Other Quartiers to Explore in Colmar

Old Town & Place de la Cathédrale (Ancienne Douane area)

Explore winding cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and landmarks like Collégiale Saint-Martin and the ancient Guard House.

Quai de la Poissonnerie (Fishmongers’ Quarter)

Charming waterfront area filled with traditional houses and aquatic heritage, ideal for scenic meanders.

Not-to-be-missed Sites in Colmar

Maison Pfister

Admire this Renaissance gem—Colmar’s architectural showpiece built in 1537, located in the heart of Old Town. 

Musée Unterlinden

Housed in a 13th‑c. convent, this premier museum features the Isenheim Altarpiece and draws ~200,000 visitors annually. 

Musée Bartholdi

Celebrate the birthplace of Auguste Bartholdi—creator of the Statue of Liberty, set in his childhood home with original sculptures. 

Eglise des Dominicains & Eglise Saint‑Martin

Marvel at Gothic architecture and religious art within these stunning churches. 

Savoring Colmar: From the Covered Market to Chocolate Dreams

The Covered Market is a great place to spend the morning. We wandered in to grab coffee and fresh pastries, then did a little gourmet tour of the regional specialties of Alsace. Since 1865, this vibrant market has offered the perfect taste of local life, with a blend of fresh produce, cheeses and artisan fare.

Some local regional specialties to try include:

• Bretzel (brioche pretzel)
• Flammekueche – tarte with cream cheese, onion and bacon
• Berawecka soft bun with spices, nuts and dried fruit
• Poulet au Riesling (chicken with white wine)
• Choucroute Garnie – sauerkraut with sausages and ham
• Riesling wine 

After all of those savory specialties, I usually crave a bit of chocolate. We were in luck, as the “Choco-Story Experience” was just a few streets away! Here you can learn the history of chocolate, and taste to your heart’s content as you peruse the interactive exhibits! There are impressive chocolate sculptures as well as live demonstrations. My only regret is that we didn’t have the time to do a chocolate workshop. La prochaine fois ... I did find lots of solace in the boutique, however!

A Perfect Ending in Colmar

Having explored the sites, taken countless breath-taking photos and indulging in our fair share of Alsatian pastries, beer and wine, we were ready for our sunset boat ride. Just when we thought this enchanting town could not get any more lovely, the soft golden light of the setting sun cast a final brushstroke of pastel hues, making everything even more romantic.

If you are looking to experience the enchantment of Colmar, why not consider our Christmas Market Tour?