Looking for the best things to do in Colmar, France during your visit?
This stunning fairytale city is nestled in France’s Alsace region, and you’ll adore its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets.
We drove up to France for a little day trip while we were staying in Germany and visited both Colmar and Strasbourg.
Here are some of the best and most fun things to do in Colmar!
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Best things to do in Colmar, France
Grab a croissant at Au Croissant Doré
This charming café is run by the cutest elderly woman, and it’s an absolute must-visit when in Colmar.
We enjoyed coffee and croissants, and they were definitely some of the best croissants we’ve ever had.
They were perfectly buttery and flaky, and oh-so-delicious.
Au Croissant Doré has an actual food menu with classic French dishes as well, but it’s only available during lunch hours!
We visited on a weekday morning and it was busy with locals, so you know it’s a go-to spot in town.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is also super cozy and cute, and they’ve even got pink toilet paper in the bathroom.
LOCATION: 28 Rue des Marchands, 68000 Colmar, France
Stroll through La Petite Venise
Step back into time and admire the beauty of this stunning historical quarter in Colmar.
Colourful, half-timbered houses line a picturesque and serene canal, which make for perfect photo opps.
You can either walk around this picturesque neighbourhood, or take a boat tour through the canal.
Be sure to do the full stroll along the scenic, flower-lined canal and enjoy all of the pretty views!
Explore Colmar’s old town
Soak in the stunning atmosphere and architecture of Colmar’s historic old town neighbourhood.
You can take a stroll along the pretty cobblestone streets, admire the colourful medieval buildings, and take a peek into the charming shops.
Fun fact: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast was supposedly inspired by Colmar!
It’s literally one of the most beautiful cities in France, so it’s no wonder this fairytale city inspired the iconic Disney film.
Visit St Martin’s Church
The stunning St Martin’s Church is a Roman Catholic church built in the principal Gothic architectural style.
It was built between the 13th and 14th centuries, and it’s absolutely gorgeous inside and outside of the building.
The Dominican Church is also a sight worth seeing, though there is an entrance fee to enter.
LOCATION: 18 Pl. de la Cathédrale, 68000 Colmar, France
See Maison Pfister
This almost 500-year-old home is a prime example of Renaissance architecture in Colmar back in the day, and it’s located in old town.
This beautifully-preserved, half-timbered house is actually named after a family who lived there and restored the home in the late 1800s.
It’s also one of the oldest buildings in all of Colmar, as it was built in the early 1500s!
You can’t actually go inside the house, but you can check out the wine shop inside of it.
LOCATION: 11 Rue des Marchands, 68000 Colmar, France
Do a segway tour around Colmar
If you’re looking for a really unique way to explore Colmar, why not try a segway tour?
This 2-hour tour is done via an electric scooter, and you’ll get to scoot around with a guide while learning about Colmar’s history, culture, and architecture.
The tour includes a helmet and scooter, and it’s a great way to cover a lot of ground without walking everywhere!
Taste authentic Alsatian Cuisine
Colmar is located in the Alsace region of France, and you can savour authentic Alsatian cuisine while you’re here.
The region of Alsace has actually passed hands between France and Germany over the centuries, so you’ll find a lot of similarities in the culture and food.
Try traditional dishes like bretzels (pretzels) or tarte flambée (sort of like a thin pizza), paired with a local Alsatian wine.
Sip on Alsatian Wines
Colmar is actually known as the capital of Alsatian wine, so you definitely need to try some during your visit.
You can order a glass at one of the many incredible restaurants in Colmar, or hit up actual local wineries.
The city is surrounded by picturesque vineyards, and if you’ve got a car, you can visit wineries along the Route des Vins d’Alsace.
If you’d prefer a guided tour, you can do a half-day wine tour of full-day wine tour by minivan, where you can sample wines from 2 to 3 local wineries!
Discover the Marché Couvert
The Marché Couvert de Colmar is a bustling covered market where you can sample and shop all kinds of local products, from cheeses, to charcuterie, to wines.
It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the local food culture, and it’s open everyday other than Mondays.
The market began back in 1865, so it’s been going on for over 150 years!
In fact, it’s actually older than Canada, as Canada only became a country in 1867.
LOCATION: 13 Rue des Écoles, 68000 Colmar, France
Do a chocolate creation workshop at Choco-Story
If you’re a big chocolate lover, you’ll definitely want to do this chocoloate workshop at Choco-Story in Colmar.
You get to work with a chocolatier and make your very own customized chocolate bars, which you’ll get to take home with you.
Your workshop also includes entry into the museum, where you can learn all about the history of chocolate, and even taste chocolate along the way!
LOCATION: 12 Pl. de la Cathédrale, 68000 Colmar, France
Go Christmas market hopping
If you’re visiting during the holiday season, you absolutely need to go Christmas market hopping in Colmar.
Colmar is absolutely magical during the holidays, with dazzling decorations adorning and illuminating the medieval streets.
There are 6 different Christmas markets scattered across Colmar, each with their own theme.
From a gourmet food market filled with Alsatian specialties to an entirely kid-friendly market for the kiddos, there’s so much to do at all of these Christmas markets in Colmar.
You can also do this fun guided Christmas market tour that takes you to a few Christmas markets in villages around Colmar!
Best things to do in Colmar, France:
- Grab a croissant at Au Croissant Doré
- Stroll through La Petite Venise
- Explore Colmar’s old town
- Visit St Martin’s Church
- See Maison Pfister
- Do a segway tour around Colmar
- Taste authentic Alsatian Cuisine
- Sip on Alsatian wines
- Do a chocolate creation workshop at Choco-Story
- Go Christmas market hopping
With its stunning architecture, rich history, and medieval charm, Colmar is a totally unforgettable destination that you’ll absolutely love.
No matter what types of activities you’re looking to do, there are plenty of fantastic activities and things to do during your visit to Colmar.
Have you been to Colmar before? What are the best things to do in Colmar in your opinion? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram!
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