Ever since seeing photos of this gorgeous town years ago, I have always wanted to see it with my own eyes! Finally, after living almost 6 years in Europe, I was able to spend one day in Colmar, France!
Colmar is in the Alsace Wine region of France, near the border or Germany and Switzerland, and looks like the town from Beauty and the Beast! With wooden building covered in colourful paint, the town of Colmar feels like a fairytale to walk around!
Getting To Colmar
The Alsace region in France is located near the border of France and Germany. Though, the closest airport is in Switzerland! If flying to the Alsace, you’ll want to fly into Basel Airport and exit on the Mulhouse side if you are renting a car to avoid entering Switzerland (and paying a tax there!)
From Basel Airport we chose to drive a rental car to Colmar, as we were staying at a hotel in Huserren les chatteau, a 20 minute drive outside of Colmar, in the hills. However, buses run from Basel to Colmar numerous times per day! First though, you’ll need to get the airport bus from Basel airpoirt into Basel bahnhof. From there, take a bus in the direction of Strasbourg, which stops at Colmar within 45 minutes drive.
More info on travel via Public transport on SBB website.How to Spend One Day in Colmar, France
Hike to old ruins
For a great morning activity on your one day in Colmar, I recommend hiking to the The Three Castles of Eguisheim! The pink sandstone remains of 3 former castles sit atop the hills, offering great views of the entire area! The hike can be done on trails below from Route des 5 chateux (30 minutes) or from the car park (5 minutes) of the three castles! You choose your length of hike! Once up top the views are spectacular and worth the sweat! And having done a hike, it is all the more reason to head into Colmar for some delicious French food!
Stroll Colmar’s old centre
Colmar is a gorgeous town, full of character! The towns architecture dates back to the middle ages and renaissance period, making it quite an interesting place to wander around! There are churches and museums to visit if you have time. However, we chose to sit on a terrace with a glass of cremant and people watch.
I could spend hours wandering around Colmar’s cute centre – and with only a few hours we managed to cover most of Colmar, so for me – it’s ticked off the bucket list!
Read more about France.Drink Local Alsace Wine / or go to a Wine Tasting!
Whilst in the Alsace, we drank A LOT of wine. I happened to become quite fond of Le Cremant, the Alsace equivalent of champagne! Whenever I spotted it, I ordered it. Within the area surrounding Colmar there are quite a lot of wineries and wine houses. So what better activity in the Alsace than tasting wine and taking some home with you!
We also went to one winery house to taste wines which would later be used for a family members wedding. Serious business! And by serious business, we HAD to try every wine available. 😉 During the tasting, we worked out which wines would be for the wedding, and in turn also discovered a wine we could have for our wedding! As this one particular winery is a favourite of the family, we decided it would be special to drink the cremant at our boat party the night before our wedding with our international guests!
Interested in wine tasting in France? Taste champagne in Champagne?
Visit Petite Venice
Petite Venice is located in the south side of Colmar town. Follow Rue des Tanneurs until you reach the river Lauch to understand why it’s called little Venice. Meander along the river until Rue Turenne for the best views of the gorgeous half-timber coloured houses.
Feel like taking a trip to the cute little town of Colmar in the Alsace? Let me help you!
Make sure you get the cheapest flights via Skyscanner!
Need accommodation? Get your place booked on Airbnb! Or more of a hotel person? Search Booking.com!
Let me know if you are heading to the Alsace and if you have any questions for me!
Feel free to share your adventure with me via social media – too!
And above all – have fun!
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Australian expat, married to a Dutch guy, living in Amsterdam. Previously lived in London for 3 years, too! Lover of travel, coffee, brunch, beaches, fresh flowers, and family. Now a new mum, navigating life with a baby!
