Visiting Colmar - a picturesque dream in France

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated August 2026 | Colmar in French Alsace is one of the most charming cities we have ever visited. Colorful half-timbered houses, winding alleys, small canals and flower-adorned facades make almost the entire city center resemble a fairy tale world. In fact, we fell so in love with Colmar that we returned a few months later to present FREEDOMtravel's award as European Destination of the Year 2025. Here we tell you what makes Colmar so special and give you tips on the city's best attractions.

That's why we named Colmar European Destination of the Year 2025

We have visited many amazing places during our motorhome trips through Europe, but sometimes you come across a city that makes a very special impression. That was the case with Colmar. Already during our first visit in May 2025, we started talking about this being a destination that deserved attention.

Every year at FREEDOMtravel we award the Destination of the Year award to two destinations, one in Sweden and one in Europe. The awards are presented in conjunction with Elmia Husvagn Husbil and are intended to recognize destinations that offer great experiences and welcome travelers with campers and other camping vehicles.

So when we were on our way back through Europe three months later, we stopped by Colmar again. This time we visited the tourist office and presented them with a specially made glass award, shaped like our camper van, along with a diploma. Colmar had been named Destination of the Year Europe 2025.

It felt incredibly fun to bring attention to a city that we ourselves have become so fond of. And the best thing of all was that we got to return to Colmar once again!

READ MORE: Destination of the Year 2025 - these two destinations are the winners!

1. La Petite Venise – Little Venice in Colmar

La Petite Venise, or Little Venice, is probably the most photographed area of Colmar. Here, the waterfront is lined with colorful half-timbered houses that are reflected in the canal, while small boats glide between the historic buildings. It’s exactly the kind of setting that has made Colmar famous, and we can totally see why.

We walked along the water, stopping time and again to take photos. The houses are close together, the facades are decorated with flowers, and the details are almost impossible to take in at once. Although the area attracts many tourists, it is a fantastic place to discover on foot.

Those who want to experience Colmar from a different perspective can join a short boat trip through the canals. We were content to watch the boats from land, but it certainly looked nice. Also take the opportunity to explore the nearby neighborhoods around Quai de la Poissonnerie, the old fishmonger's quarter.

2. Colmar's Old Town – colorful half-timbered houses and charming alleys

Perhaps the best thing about Colmar is that you don't have to look for the sights. They are almost everywhere. The historic city center is filled with narrow streets, cobblestone alleys and half-timbered houses in different colors. Some houses lean slightly, others have imaginative signs or decorations that make you stop.

We started our visit by photographing almost every facade. After a while we realized that it was a hopeless project, because the next alley was at least as beautiful as the last. Here there are houses in pink, yellow, green and blue, with dark wooden beams that create a very special expression.

It is above all this environment that makes Colmar so memorable for us. You don't have to rush between different attractions, but can let the walk be the experience itself. Look up at the facades, peek into small courtyards and discover the details that are easily lost if you just follow the main tourist stream.

3. Maison Pfister – one of Colmar's most beautiful historic houses

Maison Pfister is one of Colmar's most famous houses, located on Rue des Marchands in the old town. Built in 1537, the building is particularly famous for its painted facades, bay windows and beautiful wooden details. Although the house has clear Renaissance architectural features, it fits in almost unreal well with Colmar's half-timbered houses.

We passed the house during our walk through the old town and photographed its distinctive facade. It's easy to see why Maison Pfister has become one of the city's most well-known landmarks. There are so many details to discover here that you'll want to stay a while.

The house is primarily an attraction to be viewed from the outside, so it is perfect to combine with a walk along Rue des Marchands. In the same area there are several other historic buildings and small shops.

4. Koïfhus – the old customs house in Colmar

Koïfhus, also known as the Ancienne Douane, is one of Colmar's most important historical buildings. Dating back to the 15th century, the house once served as a customs house and an important place for the city's trade. The building is located on the Place de l'Ancienne Douane, amidst beautiful facades and lively alleys.

We find it fascinating how much history can be packed into a relatively small area in Colmar. Here you can walk from a beautiful half-timbered house to an old merchant's building and on to another square without having to travel very far.

Koïfhus is also a good example of how Colmar is more than just a beautiful backdrop. Behind the colorful houses lies a long history of trade, crafts and encounters between different cultures.

5. St. Martin's Church – Gothic architecture in the middle of Colmar

In the heart of Colmar's old town lies the impressive Collégiale Saint-Martin, often called Saint Martin's Church. Built mainly in the 13th and 14th centuries, it is one of the city's most prominent historic buildings. With its Gothic architecture and red sandstone, it stands out from the half-timbered houses around it.

The church is one of those buildings that is hard to miss when walking through the city center. It towers over the surrounding houses and provides a reminder of Colmar's long history as an important trading town.

We recommend taking the time to look at the church and its surroundings during your walk through the old town. There are several beautiful buildings and small squares within just a few minutes' walk.

6. Marché Couvert – the market hall in Colmar

Marché Couvert is Colmar's historic covered market, located near La Petite Venise. Built in 1865, it offers a variety of food and local specialties. For those who enjoy visiting covered markets, it's a nice stop during a walk through the city.

We popped in and were greeted by a lovely selection of cheeses, meats, fish, vegetables, fruit, spices and pastries. It's always fun to discover a place through its food, and in Alsace there is much that differs from what you might associate with classic French cuisine.

The market hall is also a great place to look for something tasty to take home. If you are visiting Colmar during a longer trip by car or camper, it can be a perfect opportunity to stock up on local delicacies.

7. Restaurants and cafes – taste Alsace in Colmar

Colmar has a wealth of restaurants, cafés and outdoor seating. During our walk, it almost felt like there was a new place to settle down in every alley. Here, both French classics and specialties from Alsace are served, where the food traditions have clear influences from neighboring Germany.

One of the most typical dishes is tarte flambée, also called flammekueche. It consists of a very thin and crispy base that is traditionally topped with crème fraiche, onion and bacon. There are also many other variations, and the dish is a popular feature on Alsatian menus.

For our part, it was first a delicious ice cream in the sun and a little later a cold beer at an outdoor cafe. Sometimes you don't need more than that to enjoy a city. We sat and watched the people passing by and concluded that Colmar was a place where we would like to stay longer.

8. Maison des Têtes and Colmar's historic buildings

Colmar has many historic houses that deserve attention, even outside the most photographed alleys. One of the most special is the Maison des Têtes, the House of Heads, built in 1609. The facade is decorated with over a hundred sculpted heads and faces, making the building an unusual feature in the urban environment.

Other interesting buildings include the old guardhouse Corps de Garde from the 16th century and the Quartier des Tanneurs, where the tanners used to have their workshops and homes. The area has been restored and is now another part of Colmar's beautiful historic city center.

What we especially appreciated was that the whole of Colmar feels like a large open-air museum. Even without going inside the buildings, you get a strong sense of the city's history through the facades, alleys and many small details.

9. Unterlinden Museum and other museums in Colmar

For those who want to discover more than the city's beautiful exterior, there are several interesting museums in Colmar. One of the most famous is the Musée Unterlinden, an art and cultural history museum that is famous for the Isenheim Altarpiece. The museum is located in a former monastery and has collections spanning many centuries.

Colmar is also the birthplace of sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, who created the Statue of Liberty in New York. His life and work are commemorated at the Musée Bartholdi. There is also a toy museum, a natural history museum, and museums focusing on chocolate and wine.

We spent most of our visit exploring the city's alleys and historical environments and therefore didn't have time to delve into the museums. However, for those staying two days or longer, they can be a good complement, especially if the weather doesn't invite long walks.

10. Colmar's decorations, Christmas market and wine traditions

One thing that really surprised us was how much Colmar was decorated when we arrived there in early May. There were flowers, figures and imaginative decorations everywhere, and in several places Easter-related decorations were still hanging. It reinforced the feeling of walking around in a fairy tale town.

We immediately started thinking about what the city must look like during Christmas. Colmar is famous for its Christmas markets, when squares and alleys are filled with market stalls and Christmas decorations. We have not yet experienced the Christmas market ourselves, but after our spring visit we understand why it attracts so many visitors.

Colmar is also in the heart of the famous Alsace wine region. Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris are produced here, and the city is a good starting point for exploring the Route des Vins d'Alsace. We didn't delve into the wine growing during our visit, but there are many vineyards and charming wine villages to discover in the surrounding area.

Where to stay in Colmar?

The historic city center is the best area to stay if you want Colmar's beautiful alleys, restaurants and attractions right on your doorstep. There are both hotels and small guesthouses in charming older buildings. The area around La Petite Venise is particularly suitable for those who want to stay in a romantic setting near the canals, while accommodations a little outside the center are often convenient for those arriving by car. Colmar is a relatively compact city, so you can discover a lot on foot.

Colmar with a campervan

We visited Colmar with a camper van and stayed overnight at the Onlypark Colmar campsite. There were plenty of pitches here and we could walk into the city centre, which made it easy to leave the camper van and explore Colmar on foot. We paid around 200 kronor per day in early May, which included, among other things, garbage disposal and emptying of tanks.

Electricity, water and laundry facilities were available for an additional fee during our visit. We found it a practical solution to experience the city without having to worry about parking in the city center. Please check current prices and services before your trip, as conditions may change.

Excursions from Colmar – discover more places in Alsace

Colmar is a good starting point for discovering more beautiful places in Alsace. Nearby are Eguisheim, Riquewihr and Kaysersberg, all known for their historic town centres and half-timbered houses. The famous Route des Vins d'Alsace wine route also runs here, passing vineyards and small wine villages.

We didn't have time to visit these villages during our stay in Colmar, but they are interesting options for those who want to continue their journey through the region. If you are traveling by car or camper, you can easily combine several places and make the trip take a little longer. For us, it is often these spontaneous detours that make a trip extra memorable.