Colmar is a small town located in the Alsace region in northeastern France. Alsace is where France meets Germany, and ownership of the territory has shifted between the two countries over the years.
The beauty of the town of Colmar
Colmar was apparently the village inspiration in the Disney film Beauty and the Beast, and it's not hard to see why. Walking through its streets is like seeing the fairy tales of childhood come to life. There was a wooden tower that would be perfect for Rapunzel to let her hair down, a small cottage that would be the ideal home for the seven dwarves and a candy-colored bakery that Hansel and Gretel loved.
Activities in Colmar
Colmar doesn't have a list of must-see attractions, but it does have bucket-loads of scenic spots. Everywhere you see colorfully painted riverside houses, wooden shutters, winding cobblestone streets, and window boxes decorated with flowers.
Some buildings are decorated with chandeliers, clocks, and hearts – then some take it to the extreme by hanging bicycles, chairs, and who knows what else out front. At Colmar it seems that your home is both a work of art and a place to live.
The beauty of Colmar at night
Between the houses is a cute mix of boutique shops selling local produce such as chocolate and wine, as well as art and antiques. Some shops have ornate wrought iron signs hanging on the street to indicate what they are selling. Then there are also the many hidden riverside cafes and basement restaurants. And if you visit Colmar at Christmas, the streets are lit up and lined with market stalls selling local food, drinks and gifts.
Decorative storefronts in Colmar
Best Time to Visit Colmar
There's no bad time to visit Colmar. Summer is the peak season, with average high temperatures of 24-26°C (75-79°F) but occasional thunderstorms. A number of festivals, including the Colmar International Festival and the Alsace Wine Fair in July, keep the city especially busy in the summer.
Winter is cold with average minimum temperatures just below freezing, but the Christmas markets mean late November and December are popular times to visit. January and February are much calmer and you might even see Petit Venice in the snow.
