If you’re looking for activities in the beautiful Alsace region of Eastern France, good news! There’s a plethora of fun and exciting things to do in Colmar, one of the most charming towns on the Alsatian wine route. People can visit museums, landmarks, restaurants, and more while visiting Colmar, among many others.
In the charming French town of Colmar, known for its colorful houses, you’ll find it to be a vibrant old town with examples of medieval buildings, as well as Art Nouveau and Alsatian Renaissance architecture at its best, an impressive network of underground passages, and magnificent open-air art exhibitions.
Notably, Colmar has a great love for food, and you can enjoy incredible Alsatian food in France at the town’s various restaurants, Colmar International Festival, the Alsace Wine Fair, pepper harvests, fishmonger’s district, crisscrossing the orchards, and vineyards, or even find yummy game or mushrooms in the forests.
Fun & Best Things to Do in Colmar, France
1. Restaurant La Soï
Address: 17 Rue des Marchands, 68000 Colmar, France
Tasting excellent new cuisine is always the best part of traveling, and Alsatian food in France is awesome. Alsace and neighboring German areas are famous for their Tarte Flambée, one of the most renowned specialties in the Alsace region.
Restaurant La Soï is well known for serving this delectable cuisine, as well as other examples of classic French and regional fare, such as foie gras, in a charming setting. Aside from the well-known Tarte Flambée, the restaurant also offered its customers sweet scrumptious delicacies from pies, fruitcakes, and parfaits.
Restaurant La Soï also offers a superb selection of wines that pair perfectly with their menus. This establishment’s comfortable ambiance allows clients to unwind after a long day at work or after a day of exploring Colmar’s attractions.
Restaurant La Soï’s charming décor and atmosphere, as well as its delightful cuisine, is a worthwhile experience for everyone who wishes to eat well in Colmar. It can get pretty full pretty quickly so it’s a good idea to make dinner reservations.
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2. Domaine Robert Karcher et Fils
Address: 11 Rue de l’Ours, 68000 Colmar, France
No Colmar itinerary is complete without sampling some Alsace wines! A key site on the Alsace wine route, Domaine Robert Karcher et Fils is a winery known for producing traditional Alsace wines including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Muscat, and Pinot Gris.
A trip to Colmar would be incomplete without sampling some exquisite wines from the Alsace wine region, the Alsace Region of course, famously being a part of France known for its prolific production of superb wines.
The winery is a family-owned establishment that welcomes wine lovers to sample their superb wines and enjoy their beautiful surroundings. In addition to producing exquisite wines, the vineyard is a lovely place to visit in the city because it provides individual and group guided tours of the grounds and facility and several complimentary Alsace wine tastings.
You can take in the beauty of the vineyard as well as the splendor of the Alsace river as a backdrop to your visit. After the tour, one of the most exciting parts of visiting a winery is the opportunity of tasting a variety of wines.
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3. La Petite Venise
Address: Quai de la Poissonnerie, 68000 Colmar, France
La Petite Venise de Colmar, also known as the Little Venice, is one of Colmar’s lesser-known gems. The nickname comes from the original line of medieval buildings that run parallel to the Lauch River representing a miniature version of Venice.
Little Venice stretches from behind the Kofhus and continues through the fishmonger’s district before reaching the two magnificent bridges in Colmar, Rue Turenne, and Saint-Pierre.
This area of the old town was formerly home to a rural community of individuals including farmers, gardeners, and local boatmen. It is now home to a major gardening-goods market as well as being a popular tourist attraction.
Exploring and enjoying the beauty of Colmar’s half-timbered houses along the side of the Lauch River in Little Venice is one of the most pleasurable activities to do when visiting Colmar.
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4. Unterlinden Museum
Address: Pl. des Unterlinden, 68000 Colmar, France
Colmar is a beautiful old town with many stunning views and fascinating museums that detail the history and culture of the Alsace region in Eastern France.
The Unterlinden Museum is one of the best attractions to see on your trip if you want to know more about the area. It used to be a Dominican convent, which has since been transformed into an interesting museum.
The old Dominican convent houses the famous Issenheim Altarpiece in town and showcases a spectrum of local art and artifacts in its rooms. Aside from being a former convent, the museum was also a 19th Century public bath building.
The bathhouse is located in a different structure but was connected and linked by an addition designed by Herzog & de Meuron two famous architects. Unterlinden Museum also has a delightful cloister garden ideal for unwinding and sightseeing, and additionally, there’s a nearby orchard museum to explore.
There is also gastronomy in the museums and a shop that sells different souvenirs connected or related to the gallery’s exhibits.
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5. Musée du Jouet
Address: 40 Rue Vauban, 68000 Colmar, France
Are you traveling with your children? The Colmar Toy Museum is popular among both kids and kids at heart! The Musée du Jouet is a fantastic museum dedicated to children’s playthings, with tons of collections and exhibits on display.
A trip to this museum takes you back in time to your youth and shows the little ones what constituted entertainment back in the day!
The Toy Museum houses a variety of toys that date back to the 19th Century leading up to today. The museum’s collection of giant teddy bears, antique Barbie dolls, train sets, puppet shows, and large-scale board games are just a few of the exhibits to check out.
The museum’s train network, which extends throughout the whole second level, is the main draw of the facility. The museum transports guests back in time and elicits a sense of nostalgia while touring through its galleries. It also provides a look at the toys and games’ history and background.
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6. Fontaine Bruat
Address: 2 Av. de la Marne, 68000 Colmar, France
One of the most popular attractions in Colmar, the Fontaine Bruat, is one of several noteworthy landmarks and attractions to add to a day trip. It is also one of the most photographed.
Bruat Memorial Fountain is a captivating fountain built in 1864 to commemorate Admiral Armand-Joseph Bruat and is dedicated to his memory. Immediately in front of the fountain is the admiral’s statue, an exceptional work of art created by the great sculptor Auguste Bartholdi.
In addition to the fountain, there are two concentric circular basins on either side of the structure, with a bronze statue of Admiral Bruat in the center of the structure on either side.
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7. La Maison des Têtes – Relais & Châteaux – Hôtel Colmar & Restaurants
Address: 19 Rue des Têtes, 68000 Colmar, France
It may take several days to uncover all of Colmar’s hidden gems and all of their splendor. Having an excellent place to stay is critical if you wish to maximize your visit and stay for an extended duration.
It’s difficult to match the La Maison des Têtes – Relais & Châteaux for a fantastic hotel and restaurant that offers both a lovely setting and delectable cuisine.
It is a magnificent mansion that dates all the way back to 1609 and is situated on a cobblestone street. The estate has been renovated into a lovely hotel with well-appointed rooms.
They have wood-paneled rooms with a minibar, a flat-screen television, and a coffeemaker as standard. Rooms with additional sitting areas, separate living rooms, and a whirlpool tub are also available.
Additionally, the lodging is adjacent to two of the city’s most popular attractions, the Château du Hohlandsbourg and the lovely Musée Unterlinden. Due to its dual function as a hotel and restaurant, this exceptional lodging includes a delicious complimentary breakfast.
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8. Parc du Champ de Mars
Address: Av. de la République, 68000 Colmar, France
The Parc du Champ de Mars is usually regarded as the city’s most significant and favorite public park. Here guests can immerse themselves in the splendor of nature while participating in the activity of their choosing, be it picnics, frisbee, or a kickabout.
The park features a variety of noteworthy amenities, including a playground, lovely walkways, and benches, amidst stunning landscaping. The park’s Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi statues of General Rapp and Fontaine Bruat are among the most impressive sights to witness.
The park provides a calm ambiance for families to enjoy and bond, as well as a gorgeous and tranquil setting in which to spend a wonderful day in Colmar.
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9. Schwendi Fountain
Address: 12 Pl. de l’Ancienne Douane, 68000 Colmar, France
Schwendi Fountain is a prominent tourist attraction that was damaged and virtually destroyed in 1940 during the opening stages of World War II. Nonetheless, it was repaired and renovated, with a statue of General Lazare Schwendi serving as the fountain’s centerpiece.
Lazare Schwend was an elderly nobleman and war chief who fought the Turks in Hungary. The fountain is a popular gathering point near the town’s place de l’Ancienne Douane, a vibrant and bustling section of the city. The fountains are not only a stunning sight to see; they are also a historical monument to the city of Colmar’s history and beauty.
Seeing the Schwendi Fountain, as well as dropping a coin in and making a wish, is one of the most delightful activities in Colmar.
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10. St Martin’s Church
Address: 18 Pl. de la Cathédrale, 68000 Colmar, France
Collégiale Saint Martin or St Martin’s Church is one of the most popular Colmar attractions. It is a Roman Catholic collegiate gothic church built between 1235 and 1365, found at the beautiful Place de la Cathédrale.
The church’s grand architecture, constructed of red and yellow stones in the style of a Latin cross, is a great example of the prominent Gothic architecture in the Alsace region.
When you visit Collégiale Saint Martin, you will be met with a variety of intriguing medieval sculptures on the church’s exterior. Additionally, you will no doubt be impressed by the church’s interior beauty.
The chapel is lavishly decorated on the inside with wonderful patterns, typical of medieval European Catholic churches. The stunning stained glass windows tell biblical stories, along with ancient altars and statues. Perhaps the most impressive item in the church is the magnificent Baroque organ.
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11. VINUM | Vins & Spiritueux | Colmar
Address: 16 Pl. de la Cathédrale, 68000 Colmar, France
Would you like to enjoy some delectable beers and Alsatian wine while visiting Colmar? Well then, your interest will surely be piqued by the VINUM Alsace Colmar! This wonderful liquor store offers a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. It is also in a renowned retail destination great for some Colmar shopping.
The store, which specializes in Alsatian wines and spirits, is a favorite with locals and visitors alike. It’s delightful to consume delicious beverages and experience wine produced in the city’s vicinity.
After a long and tiring day’s tourist-ing, winding down in Colmar with a glass of exceptional Pinot Noir and a delectable dinner is the ultimate way to kick back.
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12. Dominican Church
Address: 3 Pl. des Dominicains, 68000 Colmar, France
A visit to the Dominican Church in Colmar is another one of the most pleasurable things to do during your stay if you’re a fan of history and architecture. It is a historically and architecturally significant church that was built in the early 14th Century.
The church has become a landmark and a renowned tourist attraction for many who have visited Colmar. Along with St. Martin’s Church, and Église Saint-Matthieu, Colmar’s Dominican Church is among the city’s most beautiful architectural structures.
The church, now a museum, is home to the Madonna of the Rosebush, also known as the Rose Garden, which is depicted on its façade. The Dominican Church’s interior is highlighted by the Isenheim Altarpiece, one of the church’s most striking pieces.
Aside from the saints and other sculptures that can be found inside the church, you can also admire some beautiful paintings found throughout the building.
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13. Église Saint-Matthieu
Address: 3 Grand Rue, 68000 Colmar, France
The Église Saint-Matthieu is one of Colmar’s many historical landmarks and magnificent churches, and it is a must-see for anybody visiting the city. It is a Protestant church founded in 1292 and completed in the 14th Century. The church underwent multiple restorations before achieving its current appearance and beauty.
Aside from multiple restorations, the church is also used for a variety of purposes, including as a music venue due to its high ceilings and by the Lutheran community of Colmar, which first convened there in 1575.
Today, the church is regarded as one of the city’s most magnificent attractions. The collection of exquisite oil paintings that adorn the inside of Église Saint-Matthieu is one of the most prominent features of the structure. The church’s interior features include a large organ and an altar.
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14. Musée Bartholdi
Address: 30 Rue des Marchands, 68000 Colmar, France
The Musée Bartholdi or Bartholdi Museum is a wonderful art museum. If you like wandering through art exhibitions, this is an excellent place to visit in town. The museum is devoted to the artist Auguste Bartholdi, who was born in Colmar and the man behind the construction of the Statue of Liberty.
The Bartholdi Museum is housed in the artist’s former residence, which was converted into a museum in 1922. The artist’s family belongings are on display here, as well as many of his paintings, drawings, and photographs of himself.
You should definitely visit the museum and go through all three floors, which are brimming with Bartholdi’s artwork. Aside from the museum’s permanent collection of renowned artworks, a unique display features the crown jewels collection and original models for the Statue of Liberty and the Lion of Belfort.
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15. Marché Couvert Colmar
Address: 13 Rue des Écoles, 68000 Colmar, France
Colmar is home to the historic Marché couvert Colmar, which is open to the public. It is an enthralling and dynamic market hall that offers a diverse selection of goods to peruse.
If you are ever hungry, in the market for ingredients, or interested in an adventure of Colmar shopping, this market hall is a town institution and a real eye-opener into what makes Colmar great.
The market, built-in 1865, has served as the focal point of commerce in the town ever since. The market’s grounds are filled with a variety of vendors offering a diverse range of commodities, especially food.
You’ll see vendors selling meat, dairy, veggies, and a wide variety of fruits, snacks, and bread, all available for purchase at the market stalls. There are additional shops at the market that sell items other than food, such as souvenirs, mugs, antiques, and other collectibles, among other things.
Although the Marché couvert Colmar is primarily a commercial venue, it also hosts various events, most notably Easter markets, concerts, and other musical events.
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16. Le Caveau Saint-Pierre
Address: 24 Rue de la Herse, 68000 Colmar, France
Enjoying Alsatian food is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Colmar. In Little Venice, near the Lauch River, there is a place that dates back to 1568 called Caveau Saint-Pierre that will have your tastebuds begging for more.
Eating specialties like foie gras while taking in the sights of half-timbered houses in Little Venice makes dining in the restaurant much more enjoyable. Grilled foods, tasty flambées, and other exquisite French fare are prepared and served in the dining room of the hotel restaurant.
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Final Thoughts: Things to do in Colmar, France
There are plenty of things to do in Colmar, including tasting fantastic food and wine while also visiting some of the best attractions in the city.
Hopefully, this article will assist you in discovering Colmar’s best bets to make for great day trips to the city. To obtain the best travel recommendations and advice right into your inbox, sign up for our free international travel newsletter.
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FAQs
Where is Colmar Located?
A beautiful example of a European city, Colmar is in Eastern France, and it’s the main town of the Colmar canton and arrondissement.
It happens to be part of Alsace, which has changed hands dozens of times between France and Germany over the last couple thousand years and has been inhabited since well before the middle ages.
What languages do they speak in France?
Mostly French – big surprise, I know. The most common other languages in France are the langue d’oïl, a Romance language with Norman, Francien, and Occitan influences, and the langue d’oc, another Romance language with Catalan and Provençal influences.
In addition to these national languages of France, there are also various regional vernaculars that have maintained their particular characteristics:
Alsatian in Alsace-Lorraine;
Corsican of Corsica
Basque in Aquitaine
Breton spoke by the Bretons
Franco-Provençal in Franche-Comté
Monaco among other places.
So there is no shortage of things for people to speak about during their visit!
Is it safe to vacation to Colmar?
Absolutely! It is a perfectly safe place to visit. Colmar has things for everyone. Really, there are plenty of great things to do in Colmar, France and while some things like museums will interest people more than others, it’s pretty hard to go wrong here.
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