Colmar: attractions, tours and tickets

Introducing Colmar

With its abundant charm and long history, Colmar makes a great base for exploring the best of France's Alsace region. It’s a place that rewards sightseeing on foot, as the old town is a compact area with a network of canals, bridges and pretty lanes to discover. In summer, almost every building in the old town is adorned with flower-filled window boxes, and the colourful, half-timbered houses really do look as if they have been plucked straight from a fairy-tale.

Take a stroll down Rue des Marchands, the town's main street, and explore the many squares and landmarks along the way, such as the Maison des Têtes, a 16th-century building adorned with hundreds of carved heads. Take some time out to indulge in the local cuisine, especially the Alsatian tarte flambée and the delicious local wines.

Top three things to do in Colmar

1. Explore the Unterlinden Museum

Housed in a former Dominican convent, the Unterlinden Museum is one of Colmar's top attractions. It boasts an impressive collection of artwork, including pieces by famous artists such as Grünewald, Monet, and Picasso. Don't miss the stunning Isenheim Altarpiece.

2. Join a boat trip on the river Lauch

For a fresh perspective on the Petite Venise (Little Venice) neighbourhood, why not hop onto a traditional ‘barque’ wooden boat and tour the waterways of Colmar. You’ll get a close up look at some of those pretty riverside houses, and see some areas of the town it’s hard to reach on foot.

3. Take a Wine Tasting Tour

Colmar sits at the heart of Alsace's wine region, so it's a great place to sample the local vintages. You can take a wine tasting tour of the surrounding vineyards, or simply visit one of the town's many wine bars or cellars to try some of the best Alsatian wines. Why not pair them with some local cheese or charcuterie?