Colmar, "little Venice", the city for romantic souls

Sep 1, 2016
4 min read

Colmar...

Not so many persons heard about it or visited it but those who did, will never forget the beauty and charm of the city.

That's why my first article I would like to dedicate exactly to this city!

Colmar, the third-largest commune of the Alsace region in north-eastern France and has all features characteristic to Alsace area with typical houses and interesting history events.

Colmar was founded in the 9th century, and is mentioned as Columbarium Fiscum that's why there you can feel the smell of antiquity and feel yourself like a hero of Middle Ages... Colmar is the capital of central Alsace. The town is situated along the Alsatian Wine Route and considers itself to be the “capital of Alsatian wine”.

HOW TO GET THERE:

The train station Gare de Colmar offers connections to Strasbourg, Mulhouse, Paris, Besançon, Zürich and several regional destinations. Colmar lies between Basel (French: Bâle) and Strasbourg. There is a direct train connection from both cities. From my own experience, it was quite easy and comfortable to get there by FlixBus, they go there several times in a day and what is important for tourist its also not expensive (app. 10 € one way).

The charm of the city:

- As soon as you arrive on the main train station, you can already start explore the city without thinking what bus or taxi to the centre. The city is quite small and you can easily see it just by walking.

- In this city there is no problem if you can't speak French. Due to the history and the territorial situation, almost all people there can fluently speak in French, German and they are loyal to those who speak in English (not like typical French in another areas).

- you can feel yourself like visiting Venice, as unofficially they call Colmar "Little Venice (Petite Venise). Rutenau Quarter or La Petite Venise (Little Venice) is situated in historical center of Colmar on the banks of the River La Lauch. It is very beautiful with all its painted brightly half-timbered houses. Here you can take a small boat and have excellent river trip with wonderful scenic views. On each side of the waterway are beautiful multi story houses built centuries ago. All well kept, with flower baskets hanging from the walls.

- enjoy the smell and view of million of different types of flowers. All main streets and windows are decorated with flowers what makes Colmar very charming and magic.

- you can try typical Alsace dishes such like pastries, Kugelhopf, Tarte flambée, the Black Forest cake (with raspberry, cream and sponge) and quiche Lorraine. Alsace is also famous for their Bretzels. They are fresh baked and soft with generous amounts of salt. Choucroute aux Poissons (with fish) is becoming more widespread.

-you don't need to spend money for tourist books, all of Colmar’s attractions are concentrated in its old town. Therefore the best way to get around Colmar is by foot.

And of course, Colmar is a capital of Alsatian wines!!! (Alsace is one of the world pioneers of wine tourism).

MY OWN EXPERIENCE

First time I visited this city was on a warm July day. Early in the morning we were already on the HauptBahnhof waiting for our FlixBus. The weather was nice and warm but a bit cloudy and we could admire beautiful nature on our way.

After 1 hour we reached already Strasbourg ...

and from there is just one hour more to Colmar... And here we are finally on the main station of the city!

All of Colmar’s attractions are concentrated in its old town. Therefore the best way to get around Colmar is by foot.

After 5 minutes walking you can see already a building of Prefecture and Champs de Mars, a beautiful square with fountains.

And now we continue walking to the centre. On this photo we can one time more see how famous Colmar about wine production.

And finally we are in the heart of the city, its old part.

And now time to have a traditional Alsace lunch :)

And oh no the strong rain started, a bit strange feeling but now we can see the city without tourists which makes the city also very attractive.

And here is 'Little Venice' in all its beauty :) Let's enjoy this beautiful view together!

Musee d'Unterlinden (Under the Linden Trees)

House of Heads

Koifhus, L’Ancienne Douane or Old Customs House is situated in historical center of Colmar. This building was constructed in XV century, between 1433 and 1480, and got the name “Kaufhaus” (House of Trade or Hall of Commerce). Traditionally ground floor was used as the storage for imported goods. Since Colmar was the member of Federation of Free Imperial Cities of Holy Roman Empire, representatives of that Federation or League had their offices here including office of customs.

We can notice the beauty in everything: decoration of the houses, flowers, cosy and friendly atmosphere....

We are approaching to Eglise St-Martin, the main church and principal Gothic monument of Colmar.

Maison Adolph – 14th century (German Gothic)

Here we can see a lovely Pfister house, built in 1537 for the hatter Ludwig Scherer, who made his fortune with money trading in the Val de Liepvre. Despite its medieval features, the house is the first example of architectural renaissance in Colmar.

Schwendi Fountain

This fountain, designed by Auguste Bartholdi in 1898 is surmounted by a bronze statue of Lazare de Schwendi (1522-1583).

Together we made a little tour around Colmar, a charming beautiful French city which can make you fall in love at first sight. I tried to describe my emotions and impressions with a help of these photos and a brief history of the buildings and I highly recommend you this city for a visit!

Special thanks for my co-writer and lovely Prince who realised this fairytale trip for me! <3

Would be glad to hear your comments, ideas and if you have any further questions about the city, don't hesitate to contact me!