Colmar & Alsace travel guide
Colmar is a small city in Alsace, northeast France, near the German border, known for its half-timbered houses, canals and the Alsace Wine Route through nearby villages such as Riquewihr and Eguisheim.
Best time to visit Colmar & Alsace
May to June and September to October are mild and good for wine villages, with the grape harvest in autumn.
Late November to late December brings the Christmas markets, the busiest time of year; summer is warm and lively.
Getting to Colmar & Alsace
The EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse (BSL) is about an hour away, and Strasbourg is about 30 minutes by train. Paris is around 2.5 to 3 hours by high-speed train. From the US, most flights connect in Europe, or fly to Paris or Frankfurt and take the train.
Recent round-trip fares Aviasales travellers found recently. Tap a route to see that trip and today's price on Aviasales.
Getting around
On foot
The old town is compact and best explored on foot.
Car or bike
A car or bike is the easiest way to explore the Wine Route villages; regional buses reach some of them.
Train
TER trains connect Colmar with Strasbourg, Mulhouse and Basel.
Top things to do in Colmar & Alsace
1. Little Venice (La Petite Venise)
Canals lined with colourful half-timbered houses; flat-bottomed boat rides run in season.
See tours & prices ›2. The Alsace Wine Route
Villages such as Riquewihr, Kaysersberg and Eguisheim, with wine cellars and vineyards.
See tours & prices ›3. Unterlinden Museum
Home of the Isenheim Altarpiece, a masterpiece of German Renaissance painting.
See tours & prices ›4. Christmas markets
Several markets across the old town from late November, with lights and decorations.
See tours & prices ›Practical tips
- Book well ahead for Christmas market season.
- Try tarte flambée, choucroute and Alsatian white wines such as Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
- Many restaurants close one or two days a week; check before you go.
Colmar & Alsace travel FAQ
How do you get to Colmar?
By train from Strasbourg (about 30 minutes) or Paris (around 2.5 to 3 hours), or fly to the EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse.
When are the Colmar Christmas markets?
Usually from late November until late December.
How many days do you need in Colmar?
One to two days for the town, plus a day or two for the Wine Route villages.