Colmar, France: One Day in the Prettiest Village

Step into Colmar – a stunning French village full of history, charm and beauty. Spend one day in Colmar, France & you’ll immediately see why Disney used the village as inspiration for Beauty & the Beast. The city is on the Alsace Wine Route, and its old town has cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings.

Getting to Colmar

In the Alsace region of France, Colmar is conveniently located near the borders of Germany and Switzerland. We spent a week in Switzerland & and decided to take a day trip to Colmar. At just a short 45 minute train ride away from Basel, Switzerland (our home base), crossing off this charming village is easy to do from any nearby city. Trains from Basel to Colmar run every half hour, and you can view more train info on the Swiss SBB site.

Once you arrive in Colmar, walk 10 minutes to Little Venice (La Petite Venise), the main historic district. You can also catch a taxi for just a few euros.

Perhaps the best part of Colmar is its walkability. Stroll through the tree-lined streets to take in the village architecture and culture. Peek down the quaint alleyways for picturesque views. But if you are looking for specific sites to see, we have created the perfect one-day itinerary for your visit…

Things to do in Colmar, France

1. Sweet Narcisse Boat Tour

The #1 best thing to do in Colmar is the Sweet Narcisse boat tour. The tour along Lauch River lasts approximately 30 minutes as you witness Colmar from the water and hear history along the way.

Boats run every 15 minutes with hours/days varying depending on the season. For example, we went in mid-September and boats ran 9:45am-12:00pm and then 1:30pm-6:00pm. Some days book up quickly and you do not want to miss this highlight. If you are visiting during peak season, we highly suggest making online reservations in advance. Or, stop into Sweet Narcisse (at the bottom of the Saint-Pierre Bridge) upon arrival to Little Venice. Here, you can make an in-person reservation for the time you want to ride the Venician-style guided boat through the lovely canal. You’ll board at the bottom of the Saint-Pierre Bridge, right on the water next to the Venetian boats. This was truly an unforgettable experience!

While you’re along the canals, be sure to photograph the half-timbered houses. Although everywhere, the road between La Petite Venise and Quai De La Poissonnerie has some of the prettiest, most colorful houses to capture.

2. The Covered Market

A short stroll from Sweet Narcisse is the Fishmonger District where you’ll see the famous red and orange building called The Covered Market. It is usually open until 8:00am or 10:00am until 6:00pm. This is a beautiful building where you’ll find local artisans selling their produce, sweets, bread, jam, cheese, etc. The Covered Market is a great place for a mid-morning snack or afternoon dessert (we got French chocolate after lunch). Just note that the market is closed on Mondays.

3. The Customs House

Looking for another Beauty & the Beast landmark? Next on your Colmar to-do list should be the Customs House. Also known as “Koifhus,” this colorful building is located in the adorable Place de l’Ancienne Douane. It was the center of action during Colmar’s trading years in the Middle Ages.

Colmar Customs House — The Old Customs House Square & Schwendi Fountain

We loved the Customs House’s green and pink tiled roof design. This area is bustling with street vendors, restaurants and musicians. You’ll see a Schwendi Fountain at the center with a statute of a great general, which is highly recognizable in the Beauty & the Beast movie background art.

4. Musee Bartholdi

Did you know the Statue of Liberty’s sculptor, Auguste Bartholdi, was from Colmar? The Musee Bartholdi is a must-see for this very reason. For just a few euros, you’ll get a great slice of U.S. history.

Besides odes to Lady Liberty around town, Bartholdi’s work can be seen all over Colmar (Lion of Belfort and the Schwendi Fountain, for example). Just note that Musee Bartholdi is closed in January and closed on Mondays. A replica of NYC’s Statue of Liberty stands proudly in a roundabout just within the city limits of Colmar, France.

Another museum not to miss is Musée Unterlinden, home of the famous The Isenheim altarpiece. The is a masterpiece of the German religious painter Matthias Grünewald.

5. Colmar’s Churches

You can’t visit Colmar, France and not visit the gorgeous, towering churches! Colmar has two to admire: St. Matthieu’s Church and St. Martin’s Church. St. Martin’s Church is huge and cannot be missed. It was opened in 1365 and designed with stunning gothic architecture.

Hours and days vary according to church activities, so be sure to consult their websites so you don’t miss these beauties.

6. Tours of the Alsace Region of France

Guided tours are an excellent way to see more of the France + scenery near Colmar. Check out these guided tours below before discovering the rest of Colmar’s top sites…

7. Colmar’s Historic Homes

As you continue to wander through the quaint streets, there are three historic architecture homes you’ll want to stroll past…

The Adolph House was built around 1350 & is one of the oldest structures in Colmar. The third story and half-timbered gables were added in the 1500s. The Pfister House stands out with its painted facade, wrap-around wooden gallery, and octagonal turret. Pfister was a dramatic display of wealth in the 16th century and still attracts the attention of passersby today.

Finally, the House of Heads is a structure that will turn some heads (106 to be exact). It’s kind of creepy, kind of artsy, but not to miss.

8. Train Rides

For a more in-depth look at Colmar, the city’s adorable train tours are wildly popular. There are two great options: Little Tourist Train or Little White Train. Both of these train tours run every half hour and give you an amazing overview of the city.

9. Eat at Le Comptoir de Georges

In between the museum, homes, churches, boat ride, market and window shopping, you’re sure to work up an appetite. Why not eat on the lovely canal? We highly recommend the phenomenal Le Comptoir de Georges.

This was a highlight meal for us. From the great service, to yummy food, the canal views, and even to the ducks swimming by, this dining experience was so pleasant. It was a dreamy setting and a perfect finale for a magical day in beautiful Colmar.

Colmar, France: One Day in the Prettiest Village

Getting to Colmar