Colmar is Alsace’s third biggest city and capital of the Alsatian wine. The city benefits from its position on the rain shadow side of the Vosges Mountains. The warm and dry climate is responsible for the region’s excellent wines.
Le Petit Venise
We were most excited about the medieval ‘Petit Venise’ (‘Little Venice’), the symbol of the Alsace. This part of the city was extensively reconstructed and the results are highly respectable: Thanks to perfect weather, the half-timbered houses looked even better.
The quarter has its name thanks to its location along the river. We have a thing for colourful houses with location at the water, see Willemstad!
The whole city is decorated with flowers. The beautiful fountains and nice restaurants are the cherry on top.
There a lot of places offering shadow. But those are usually the crowded places in summer. When in Alsace, you have to try the Cremant d’Alsace. It tastes like heaven.
Church St. Martin
Despite of Petit Venise, you should also see St. Martin’s Church built in the 13th century. It’s one of the most important buildings located at the Upper Rhine.
With a more profane view, you’ll first recognize the colourful tiles on the roof.
Alsatian wine and food – and you need nothing more
There’s nothing spectacular happening in Colmar – but it’s really beautiful and that’s enough or us. The food was delicious, the wine excellent and we were totally in awe of the beautiful Old Town.
Actually one afternoon is totally enough. You’ll see everything very quickly. But if you want to drink more than a glass of wine, you should plan a overnight stay here. Unfortunately, Colmar is not the cheapest place on earth.
Not far from here, you’ll find Kientzheim and Riquewihr.