Colmar is a lovely city in Alsace in north-eastern France. The city is characterized by cobbled streets and half-timbered houses from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance and it looks like a living postcard, like a fairy tale come true.
Arrival
Colmar is only 1,5 hours from my home, so I travelled by car. I parked in Parking de la Montagne Verte and I can really recommend it to you. The parking is huge, clean and only 5 minutes’ walk from the old town. It’s even easy to park a big car.
Old town
The old town of Colmar has very interesting buildings. Everything is characterized by cobbled streets and half-timbered houses from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. To make sure you don’t miss any of the great houses, you can follow the Statue of Liberty through the old town. No joke, there are golden statues of liberty all over the ground to guide you through the city.
One of the well-known buildings is the historic Maison Pfister. It impresses on the one hand with its size and on the other hand with its imposing half-timbering. With its lavishly painted façade, the projecting bay window and the long wooden gallery, it is one of the most impressive houses in the city.
Another building is the Maison des Têtes. Around 100 stone heads look at you from the façade of the Maison des Têtes, built in 1609, when you stand in front of the house.
Marché Couvert
Colmar’s market hall is located between the old town and Petite Venise. It is worth a visit, there are many delicacies. You can buy fresh vegetables and fruits, bakery produce and other specialties there.
Petite Venise
Colmar is particularly famous for Petite Venise, a canal that runs through the town and is reminiscent of the canal alleys of Venice. With its colorful houses and fishing boats, however, it has a charm. I highly recommend you take a boat trip on this canal.
The cost of the round trip is 7 euros. The starting point is in front of the restaurant La Caveau Saint-Pierre or in front of the restaurant Krutenau. The trip takes about half an hour.
Food
One of the specialties of Alsace is Tarte flambée. This involves spreading a layer of crème fraiche on a thin dough pancake, which is then topped with bacon and onion rings and then briefly baked at a high temperature until crispy. Simply delicious! I chose the version with salmon instead of bacon.
I can't recommend any restaurant because I think there are some nice restaurants. As you stroll around the city, you will automatically pass by one that you like.
Currency and means of payment
In Colmar you pay in Euro (EUR). You can pay everywhere with credit cards. It is accepted as a means of payment in all shops, restaurant, or hotels.
Tip
Bills in Colmar’s restaurants already include a service charge of 10-15%. If you are satisfied with the food and service, you can round up when paying or leave EUR 1 to 2 on the table.
Language
The official language is French, but however, there are also some who still speak dialect. The language is becoming more and more extinct. Besides, the people in Alsace understand and speak German very well.
Opening hours
If you want to take a boat trip across the river Lauch, remember that the people there take a lunch break from 12.00 – 14.00. There are no boat trips during this lunch break.
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