20 Things to Do in Colmar, France
Colmar, a gem in France’s Alsace region, looks like it leaped from the pages of a storybook with its colourful half-timbered houses and flower-lined canals. This enchanting town offers a journey through history and Alsatian culture, where every corner reveals a picturesque scene; you’ll find a delightful array of activities, from exploring historic districts to enjoying local wines, including many wonderful free things to do in Colmar for an affordable visit.
With its unique blend of French and Germanic influences, Colmar captivates visitors with its well-preserved architecture, charming waterways, and renowned gastronomy. Prepare to wander through cobblestone streets, discover artistic treasures, and soak up the warm, welcoming atmosphere of this Alsatian jewel.
Charming Old Town Strolls
Wander the Old Town
Get lost in the labyrinthine cobblestone streets of Colmar’s historic center, admiring the beautifully preserved medieval and early Renaissance buildings. Each street and square offers a new visual delight, with vibrant facades and blooming flower boxes.
Maison des Têtes (House of Heads)
Admire this unique Renaissance building, named for the 106 small sculpted heads and masks adorning its facade. Built in 1609, it’s a remarkable example of German Renaissance architecture and a striking photo opportunity.
Maison Pfister
Gaze at one of Colmar’s most famous buildings, the Pfister House, dating back to 1537 with its distinctive octagonal turret and painted panels. This beautifully preserved bourgeois home showcases the wealth of early Colmar merchants.
Koïfhus (Old Custom House)
Visit this historic building, once the economic and political heart of Colmar, dating from the 15th century. Its tiled roof and strategic location mark it as a significant landmark where import duties were once collected and city affairs discussed.
Collégiale Saint-Martin (St. Martin’s Church)
Explore Colmar’s main church, an impressive example of Gothic architecture built between the 13th and 14th centuries. Admire its stained glass windows, imposing structure, and the distinctive checkered roof tiles.
Dominican Church (Église des Dominicains)
Step inside this early 14th-century Gothic church to see Martin Schongauer’s masterpiece, “The Virgin of the Rose Bush.” The simplicity of the church interior beautifully highlights this renowned artwork.
Picturesque Canals
Explore La Petite Venise (Little Venice)
Stroll through Colmar’s most famous district, where colourful half-timbered houses line the Lauch River. This incredibly picturesque area is perfect for photos and soaking up the romantic atmosphere.
Take a Boat Tour on La Lauch River
Enjoy a peaceful punt boat tour through the canals of Little Venice for a different perspective of the charming houses and bridges. The guided tours offer insights into the history of the area and its former tanners’ and fishmongers’ quarters.
Stroll Quai de la Poissonnerie (Fishmonger’s District)
Walk along this beautifully restored quay, once home to the town’s fishermen and fishmongers. The brightly painted half-timbered houses reflect charmingly in the water, creating a perfectly quaint scene.
Museums and Heritage
Unterlinden Museum
Visit this renowned museum housed in a former 13th-century Dominican convent, famous for Matthias Grünewald’s Isenheim Altarpiece. It also features a wide collection of art and artifacts from prehistoric times to contemporary art, offering a rich cultural journey.
Bartholdi Museum
Discover the life and work of Auguste Bartholdi, the Colmar-born sculptor of the Statue of Liberty in New York. The museum is located in his birthplace and showcases models, sketches, and personal items related to his famous creations.
Musée du Jouet (Toy Museum)
Step back into childhood at this delightful museum featuring a collection of toys from the 19th century to the present day. Explore antique dolls, model trains, board games, and more, making it a fun visit for all ages.
Alsatian Culinary Delights
Marché Couvert (Covered Market)
Explore the lively covered market housed in a historic brick and stone building by the river. Browse stalls selling fresh local produce, cheeses, meats, Alsatian specialties, and enjoy a bite at one of the food stands inside.
Taste Alsatian Wine
Sample the local wines from the renowned Alsace wine route, such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, or Pinot Gris. Many ‘winstubs’ (traditional wine taverns) and shops in Colmar offer tastings of these aromatic white wines.
Try Tarte Flambée (Flammekueche)
Indulge in this traditional Alsatian specialty, a thin flatbread topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon. It’s a delicious and simple dish, often cooked in a wood-fired oven, perfect for a casual meal.
Sample Kougelhopf
Treat yourself to Kougelhopf, a traditional Alsatian Bundt cake, often studded with raisins and almonds, and dusted with powdered sugar. Find this delicious yeast-based cake at local bakeries, a perfect accompaniment to coffee.
Leisure and Local Life
Ride the Petit Train Touristique (Little White Train)
Take a leisurely tour of Colmar’s main sights aboard the little tourist train. It’s a comfortable way to get an overview of the town, especially good for families or those who prefer not to walk extensively, with commentary on the key attractions.
Relax in Parc du Champ de Mars
Enjoy some downtime in this central park, offering green spaces, fountains (including one by Bartholdi), and carousels. It’s a pleasant spot for a leisurely walk or to simply relax and watch the world go by.
Enjoying Colmar for Free
Window Shopping & Admiring Architecture
Simply stroll through Colmar’s streets, admiring the stunning half-timbered houses, intricate shop signs, and beautiful floral displays. The town itself is an open-air museum, and appreciating its beauty costs nothing at all.
Discover Colmar’s Fountains & Statues
Look out for Colmar’s charming public fountains and statues as you explore, such as the Schwendi Fountain or the Roesselmann Fountain. Place Rapp features a large statue of General Rapp by Bartholdi, adding to the city’s artistic character.
