38 Route de Selestat, Colmar, Alsace, 68000, France
Check Rates and Availability
of people enjoy staying here
34 Opinions
Famous View of River
Old Guard House
Anonymous 1470 First (?) Still-Life
Back Predella of Jesus and Apostles
Hello,
I am following my dad's path during WWII and plan on visiting Colmar in 2008. I will be traveling from the US. I do not know the French language and am a bit nervous about being able to get along ok while I am there. Also, what is the best time to visit?
Many thanks-
May-October is best, in general. You would do well to learn some phrases like greetings, thank you, and 'parlez-vous Anglais' (do you speak English). Trying French is appreciated and English is spoken more and more in France. Don't worry, there more to communication than just words!
As suggested above learn some basic phrases before you come, and take a good phrasebook/dictionary with you. Many people in Europe do have at least a smattering of English, but many choose not to use it....and why should they? So expect to have to use French on occasion (don't worry too much about the accent!)and to see signs etc in French (the phrasebook/dictionary will come in handy for this). But don't worry, because you will cope perfectly well; I have travelled in many countries where I know absolutely nothing of the language other than a few basics, and it's fine. At least the alphabet is the same in France!
At least learn before you travel (for everywhere): yes, no, please, thank you, sorry, excuse me, how much, the bill please, where is.
I'd suggest visiting in May/June; pleasant weather but not too hot.
yes = oui
no = non
please = s'il vous plaît
thank you = merci or merci bien (thank you very much)
sorry/excuse me = excusez-moi
how much = Combien?
the bill please = L'addition, s'il vous plaît
where is = où est...
toilet = toilettes
can I have/I want: je voudrais ... (not: je veux!)
I'd forgotten the toilets..........:-(
hehehe :-)
The best time to visit may be may-june and september (july and august can be extremely hot).
Alsace is the french region where English is the least spoken : most people are bilingual French/ German - English generally comes a a 3rd language at school (and not many people take a 3rd language).
Anyway, if you are staying in the center town and touristic places - hospitality staff and some young people may speak a bit english.
Colmar is lovely and full of tourists thus much said, language really will not be a problem but, as pointed out in previous replies, it would be curteous to learn a splattering if only to say hello and thank you (with a big apologetic smile for not being able to say anything else!).
If you want a really good but not hugely expensive hotel, we found The Amiral to be great: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/e0453/1f59f/3/
Thanks everyone. Yes, I understand the courtesies of learning at least some basic words when going to a non-english speaking region. Out of respect, I do always do that. May-June works well into my plans. Thank you again everyone!
You're welcome :-)
hi, whwt you can say about winter time in Colmar?
We will be in Alsace 2-12/12 and Colmar is one of our destination in Alsace. We will be with child 2yo. Our main point is to visit Christmas markets in Alsace.
Check www.weatherunderground.com for Colmar. You can use the history button to see the weather in the previous years for that period.
Make a walk through the old town centre. Colmar has lots of beautiful and charming old houses. Most of them where built in the 15th century and so you feel back to the middle ages.
Colmar was a rich trading town and they begin to trade with wine in 1483.
Click on the picture to see all the amazing and wonderful details of the houses in a small street in Colmar.
The statue (1888) of Bartholdi depicts Johann Roesselmann, who lost his life as successful defender of Colmar of 1262 in the war with the Bishop of Strasbourg.
The fountain is located on a small square south of the old town, where Little Venice meets the Grand Rue. Very charming. Enjoy the peaceful place.
The wonderful half-timbered houses are quite prevalent in the Alsace region of France and are a reminder of the connection of this region to Germany. Over many centuries, the reigns of power in this region have gone back and forth between France and Germany a number of times. Colmar is particularly well known for its many half-timbered houses and quaint buildings. Sadly however, some of them are in dire need of some tender loving care as they have been allowed to deteriorate. Even so, they are still very attractive and very appealing to anyone with a camera handy.
La maison des Têtes
Built in 1609 for Colmar merchant Anton Burger, this gothic/renaissance home is decorated with over 100 fantastic faces. The building is now a hotel.
Walk by and appreciate the wonderful stone carvings that adorn this facade, or better yet, spend a night here (see Hotel tips).
Auguste Bartholdi (1834-1904) is probably best known for his creation of the Statue of Liberty. The museum is located in the "well to do" family house where he was born. The rooms contain works from his artistic career up to and including the creation of the Statue of Liberty.
Open: everyday except Tuesdays
Admission: Adults 4 euros, children 2.5 euros, under 12 free
Sponsored Links
Similar to Arcantis Hexagone
Near Arcantis Hexagone
Cheapest in Colmar
Great Hotels for Less
Q: Daytrip to Colmar from Strasbourg "Hi, My wife and I will stay in Strasbourg a few days and we want to make a day trip to Colmar. The options to go to Colmar are on..."
A: "Probably Monday would be best if you want to go shopping. Many shops close on Sundays. You'll find all the shops, churches, cafes etc as you walk around the town. Most..."
Sponsored Links
Latest Colmar hotel reviews
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
