Colmar France Travel Guide | Where to Eat, What to See & Things to Do in Colmar

Discover Colmar in France: top things to do in Colmar, best Colmar restaurants, what to eat (Alsatian cuisine), must-see Colmar attractions, and hidden gems in this Colmar travel guide.

Best Things to Do in Colmar, France / “Things to Do in Colmar”

Stroll the Old Town & Little Venice (La Petite Venise)

One of the most iconic things to do in Colmar is simply wandering through the Old Town (Vieille Ville) and along the canals of Little Venice (La Petite Venise).  

Cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses painted in pastel hues, bridges over the Lauch River  it’s a fairytale setting that frequently ranks top in traveler photo lists.  

You can also take a 20-30 minute boat ride through the canals for a different perspective.  

Visit the Unterlinden Museum & Museums of Colmar

No guide is complete without mentioning Musée Unterlinden, housed in a former convent, with a mix of medieval to modern art and the famous Isenheim Altarpiece.  

Also check out Choco-Story Colmar, Dominican Church, Toy Museum, and other smaller museums.  

Explore the Covered Market & Pfister House

The covered market (Marché Couvert) is a lively spot where locals and visitors buy cheeses, charcuterie, produce, and local specialties.  

The Maison Pfister is one of Colmar’s architectural gems (built 1537), featuring ornate wooden galleries and frescoes.  

Walk the Fishermen’s Quay (Quai de la Poissonnerie)

This picturesque riverside district, once where fishermen lived, now offers beautiful views, especially from the bridges, and easy photo ops.  

Wine Tasting & Vineyards Around Colmar

Colmar sits in the heart of Alsace’s wine region. Take a wine tour along the Alsace Wine Route (Route des Vins d’Alsace), visit local cellars, and taste Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and other varietals.  

Many tours also include nearby wine villages like Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr.  

Cycle or Bike Around Colmar

To see the outskirts, vineyards and countryside, rent a bike and explore beyond the city limits.  

Hidden Gems & Local Walks

Follow the golden triangles on sidewalks (they lead you through a walking tour of Colmar’s highlights, including Bartholdi’s statue trails).  

Visit the House of Heads (Maison des Têtes), Old Customs House (Ancienne Douane), and tucked-away alleys for local charm.  

What to Eat in Colmar / Colmar Food Guide (Alsatian Cuisine)

Classic Alsatian Dishes You Must Try

Choucroute Garnie (Alsatian sauerkraut with meats)  cabbage, sausages, bacon, pork cuts, potatoes.  

Baeckeoffe  a slow-cooked casserole of meats and potatoes in white wine.  

Flammekueche / Tarte Flambée — thin crust bread topped with crème fraîche, onions, bacon. (Alsatian pizza-like dish)  

Bouchée à la reine — puff pastry filled with veal, chicken, mushrooms in creamy sauce.  

Spätzle, Rösti, Liver Dumplings, Munster cheese — other regional sides and delicacies.  

Foie gras and black pudding are also found on menus.  

Best Restaurants & Winstubs in Colmar

Wistub de la Petite Venise — a rustic, locals-favorite winstub in Little Venice district.  

WISTUB BRENNER — another well-rated local spot.  

La Cocotte de Grand-Mère — for traditional dishes.  

Le Fer Rouge — known among the “best places to try in Colmar” lists.  

Restaurant Café de la Harth — offers local and classic dishes.  

Local tip: La Petit Bidon — praised in traveler forums for authentic ambiance.  

To balance heavy Alsatian food, try lighter options for lunch or salad offerings, but don’t skip the local butcheries, cheese plates, and charcuterie boards — ideal with a glass of Alsace wine.  

Colmar Itinerary Sample / Suggested Daily Plan

Day 1 – Explore Colmar Center

Morning: Walk Old Town, Little Venice, Quai de la Poissonnerie

Lunch: Try Flammekueche at a winstub

Afternoon: Visit Unterlinden Museum, Pfister House, Covered Market

Evening: Dinner at Wistub de la Petite Venise or La Petit Bidon

Day 2 – Wine Villages & Countryside

Morning: Rent bike or take a tour to Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé

Lunch in a wine village, paired with local wine

Afternoon: Return to Colmar, visit smaller museums or art galleries

Evening: Gourmet meal or wine cellar tasting

Tips & Best Time to Visit

The best time is late spring to early autumn (May–September) for pleasant weather and vineyards in bloom

Colmar Christmas market is magical in December — many visitors time their visit then

Arrive early in high season to beat crowds at Little Venice

Buy tickets in advance for Unterlinden Museum during peak months

Why Colmar Captivates Every Traveler

Colmar feels like stepping into a living postcard — centuries-old architecture, intertwined French-German heritage, vibrant canals, colorful facades, and gastronomic depth make it a standout.  

Because the city is relatively compact, you can experience a lot on foot, letting you soak in the ambiance, stop at cafés, and linger in alleys that feel like hidden corners of a fairy tale.

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