Whether you're planning a vacation in Colmar or you've already spent some time here, there are a few things to do if you want to get the most out of your time. Below are just a few ideas.
Place de l'Ancienne Douane
Located in Colmar, the Place de l'Ancienne Douane is a must-see. This square is lined with cafes and restaurants and is a lively hub of activities and events all year round. It is also home to a 15th-century Customs House called Koifhus.
The Dominican Church is another must-see in Colmar. Built in the 13th to 14th century, the building is a good example of Mendicant Order architectural style. The church is open daily in the morning and afternoon. It is free to visit the interior, but there is a small fee to view the stained glass windows.
The city's museums are housed in the old Dominican monastery. These include the Museum of Toys and Electric Trains and the Museum of Alsace Art. The Colmar Museum of Toys is one of the best sights in town, as it takes guests back in time and lets them enjoy the history of toys and games.
The Tanners' District is another must-see in Colmar. The area is located in the Old Town and has quaint cobblestone streets. You'll find several historical buildings here, as well as pretty gardens.
The Eglise Saint-Matthieu is Colmar's most beautiful architectural structure. This collegiate church was a cathedral in the Roman Catholic tradition and was administered by a chapter of canons. The church is open 8 AM to 6 PM every day except Sunday.
The Petit Train Touristique is a green miniature train that runs all around the city. The train takes about 35 minutes and passes most of the main sights in Colmar. The train offers commentary and information about the main sights. It is a good way to see the city if you are short on time or have mobility issues. It is also a great option for families with young children.
Saint Martin's Church
Located in the heart of Colmar's Old Town, St. Martin's Church is one of the most impressive sights in the city. It was built in the 13-14th century in Gothic style. If you're visiting Colmar, you'll definitely want to check it out.
The Dominican Church in Colmar is one of the most impressive religious structures in the city. The church features a high-vaulted nave. The interior is filled with exquisite works of art. The choir displays a "Vierge au Buisson de Roses" by the Martin Schongauer's atelier in 1473. The stained-glass windows provide a lot of light to the sanctuary, offering inspiration to worshipers.
Another must-see building in Colmar is the Eglise Saint-Matthieu. The church was originally a Protestant house of worship. It was later converted to a hospital by a Franciscan monastery. It is now a popular tourist attraction.
There are also a number of museums in Colmar. The Musee Bartholdi is nearby, and features original sculptures created by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. It is also home to his personal items. There are sketches of the major works, along with models of the major pieces.
If you're interested in shopping, you can stop at the many stores in the Old Town. The best time to do so is in the evening, when the shops are less busy. The Old Town is a maze of cobblestone streets lined with typical Alsatian burghers' houses.
Domaine Karcher
During the Christmas season, Colmar becomes the home of the Christmas market. Here you can try some of the best food and drinks. The Christmas market is open until the end of December.
Another must-see site is the museum of toys. This museum has a train network on the second level that takes visitors back in time. The museum also has a beautiful display of paintings and sculptures dating back hundreds of years.
The museum also has an extensive collection of games and a display of the history of these. This is a great way to spend a couple of hours.
The Pfister House is a Renaissance style structure that was built in 1537. The exterior is made of soft Vosges sandstone. The interior is decorated with delicate mural paintings. The oriel window features medallions depicting emperors from the Roman Empire.
The Pfister House is located across the street from the main entrance of the town. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Colmar. It was restored by the Pfister family.
The Schwendi Fountain is another popular tourist attraction. This fountain was damaged during the opening stages of World War II. The fountain now boasts a statue of General Lazare Schwendi.
There are plenty of museums to see in Colmar. The Unterlinden Museum is a popular site. It features a large collection of paintings and sculptures. There is also an Aquaria swimming pool.
Choco Story
Visiting Colmar, France, is a fun way to spend a day. The town is small and easy to get around. It feels like a fairytale town and is filled with lively squares, Medieval buildings, and cafes. It is also extremely picturesque and can be a great day trip from Paris.
One of the main attractions in Colmar is the Choco Story. This chocolate museum offers an interactive tour and samples of chocolate. It's also a good opportunity to learn about the history of chocolate and how to make it. They even have a chocolate-making workshop. You can buy tickets from the museum for just 5 euros. They accept printed tickets as well as tickets by email.
Another place to visit is the Bartholdi Museum. This museum is home to the original statues that were created by the sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi for Colmar. It also contains personal items belonging to the Bartholdi family. It is located near the Maison Pfister. Its wooden oriel window features medallions depicting the emperors of the Roman Empire.
The Tanners' District is another must-see. This is a district that is named after the tanners that used to live in the area. It is a short walk from Little Venice.
During the Christmas season, Colmar hosts some of the best Christmas markets in the world. They include hot chocolate and mulled wine. Some tours focus on the markets, while others visit nearby villages.
Boat tours at St. Pierre Bridge
Whether you're planning a day trip to Paris or a longer stay in Paris, it's a good idea to consider taking a boat tour of the Seine. There are many different options to choose from, and many of them offer a variety of classic French dining options on board.
One of the best sightseeing boats in Paris is the Vedettes du Pont Neuf. It departs from the Pont Neuf, passing by the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre. It also includes a tour of the historic canal system. It's the perfect choice for a couples or family trip.
Another sightseeing option is to visit Ile aux Marins, a small island in the water off the coast of Saint-Pierre. It's home to a small church and houses painted in bright colors. There are plenty of hiking trails to enjoy.
You can get to Ile aux Marins by taking a ferry. There are daily departures in the summer months, and a round-trip costs 6 EUR for adults, and 4 EUR for children. It's best to book in advance.
If you'd like to go for a longer tour, you can take a 3-hour private charter from the St. Pierre tourism office. This includes a guide, who will share stories of Allen brothers and historical information about Houston. You'll also have access to the best restaurants on the banks of the river. You can also choose to take a champagne cruise, which gives you a taste of the region's famous bubbly.
Kayserberg
Located about 11 kilometers northwest of Colmar, Kayserberg is a pretty town that is worth visiting. The town is a great base for exploring other nearby villages and vineyards in the Alsace wine region. It is also home to the Chateau du Schlossberg and the Old Fortified Bridge.
Another highlight of the city is the La Petite Venise. This is an area with charming half-timbered buildings. The area is full of cafes and boutique shops. There are lots of restaurants and you can even do a wine tasting at one of the local wineries.
During Christmas, the town is draped with lights, and there is a wonderful Christmas market at Place de l'Ancienne Douane. If you enjoy food, there are many restaurants that serve traditional French food. The town also offers chocolate making workshops.
Other highlights include the Bartholdi Museum, which has several original statues and personal items of the Bartholdi family. It is located in the house where Frederic Auguste Bartholdi was born. It is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM.
Another museum to see is the Unterlinden museum, which is a 13th-century Dominican convent. It features the famous 16th-century Isenheim Alterpiece. The museum is also home to an underground gallery that connects the buildings. The museum's rooms are filled with art from the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Kayserberg has a nice Christmas market, too. The town is known for its brightly colored half-timbered houses. They were once constructed of mud or timber treated with ox blood.
