Old Town, Colmar

Favorite thing: The traditional Christmas Markets of Colmar, on different squares, are for me a standard of what a Christmas market should be:
A glitter of decorations and magic lightings,
Products responding to art and tradition qualitative criteria.

In Colmar regional craftsmanship, local products and the traditional cakes, pastries and confectionary of Christmas are indeed promoted.

The five markets with their small market houses are like mini villages where it is pleasant to walk. They have their own identity.

1° The Christmas market located on the "Place des Dominicains" is dominated by the 14th century church with magnificent stained-glass windows illuminated at nightfall.
2° The market which is inside the "Koïfhus" presents in its ceremonial rooms art objects in a historical medieval setting.
3° Outside the Koïfhus is the one located on "Place de l’Ancienne Douane" along the river.
4° The market on the "Place Jeanne d’Arc" offers a selection of handcrafted and local food products.
5° In the Petite Venise district is a market dedicated to children with a lot of gifts, sweets and animations.

Open from 25/11 - 31/12, from 14 - 19 h.
Closed on 25/12.

Friday open 10 - 20 h.
Saturday 10 - 21 h.
26/12 open 10 - 20 h.
24/12 & 31/12 open 10 - 17 h.
Free.


Fondest memory: The traditional Christmas Markets

Favorite thing: Colmar has a very charming old town. I highly recommend to stroll along the small cobbled alleys with picturesque timber-framed townhouses. Take time and don't get hectic - crowds can spoil the joy sometimes, but in this case take the (still) smaller lanes, drop on a seat in one of the tiny cafes and just watch.

I must admit I sometimes felt to be in a German town. The architecture is pretty much medieval German-like. But then again you hear the French language, have a glass of local wine or a cafe au lait and realise it is France - or better Alsace!

Having been to both Strasbourg and Colmar I must admit that Strasbourg offers more for the tourist. More sights, more spectacular architecture, better shopping etc. Colmar is smaller, more familiar. So it depends on your personal preferences which one you like more.

Favorite thing: 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.



Fondest memory: Click on the picture to see all the amazing and wonderful details of the houses in a small street in Colmar.

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Favorite thing: One of my favorite memories of Colmar's old town - this beautiful Trompe D'oeil, so real, but in fact only the windows of it are real and the rest is painted.

Favorite thing: I loved the wood timbered houses, the lovely restaurants along the river and the whole atmosphere - so easy and so wonderful!

Favorite thing: ... as we had. Just wonder without particular aim and I bet you gonna discover the real inner and spirit of this town.

Favorite thing: Keep your eyes wide open while walking around and you might spot a lot of interesting things, like this wooden and elegantly painted bay window..... Colmar has a lot of such hidden treasures....