Here’s how to visit Colmar France, whether you’re a lover of fairy tales, movies, or just want some half-timbered ambiance.

 

Bellies full of a delicious Tarte Flambée and Aperol Spritz, my wife and I are ready for a walk. We’ve decided to visit Colmar, France, looking for the cherished building that drew us here and inspired one of the first movies we watched as a couple: Howl’s Moving Castle.

Ducking down a shadowy side street, it feels like we’ve stepped back in time. The medieval buildings seem to loom over us, whispering their history—fortunately untouched by war. And then, we’re face to face with the incredible murals covering the Maison Pfister. We found it!

This building brought us from our trip to Paris into the Alsace region, and I’m so glad it did. If you’d like to visit Colmar France, read on for the best ways to enjoy this gem of Alsace.

 

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Why Visit Colmar France?

I first learned about Colmar because I loved the movie Howl’s Moving Castle and wanted to know if the villages and cities in that gorgeous picture had real-life counterparts. Lo and behold, director Hayao Miyazaki was inspired by the Alsace region of France when crafting the imaginary world for his masterpiece.

Pretty little Colmar gets a direct nod, with its Maison Pfister building depicted in stunning detail as the heroine lands on its balcony after a magical flight with the mysterious Howl. And if you’re a Disney fan, think back to the village from Beauty and the Beast—it’s easy to see that Alsace left its mark there too. Magic!

Stop me if I’m getting carried away, because Colmar is so much more than a fairy-tale town. Yes, the views are gorgeous, but there’s also fascinating history, excellent food and drink, and, most importantly, perfect areas to wander without a care in the world.

There are plenty of reasons to visit Colmar France, so let’s dive into how to make the most of this beautiful city on a short visit.

 

Stay the night if you can when you visit Colmar France

Colmar is small, and there aren’t a ton of major attractions. There, I said it. It’s about 2.5 hours by train from Paris to Colmar, so you can grab some scenic cobblestones, snap photos of half-timbered houses, and be on your way if you’re short on time.

Or, do the opposite: stay the night.

You won’t be the only tourist with the idea of a day trip to Colmar, and the crowds get pretty thick on nice days. But if you stick around for the evening and grab a room, you’ll have the town mostly to yourself, along with a few other wise visitors. Once the streetlights flicker on, you’ll thank yourself.

Book a hotel on the perimeter of the old town and spend the evening strolling the cobbled, lamplit lanes. Pop into a bar, or sit on a terrace with your pick of seats, without worrying about catching a late train.

I stayed at the Ibis Styles nearby, which offers a solid breakfast and comfortable rooms at an affordable price. For a more elevated stay, Le Colombier Colmar – Hôtel Centre Ville is pricier but more luxurious and located right off the canal.

A Taste of Alsatian Cuisine

Tarte Flambée, Spaetzle, and Bretzels await in Colmar, making it a perfect place to savor Alsatian cuisine. Alsace is like a melting pot of French and German cultures, having been part of both countries at different times in history. Naturally, the cuisine reflects this, offering a unique fusion of flavors.

You’ll definitely want to try a Tarte Flambée under an umbrella on a sunny day. Best described as a flatbread pizza with crème fraîche sauce, slivered onions, and savory lardons (similar to bacon), it’s simple yet delicious.

If you’re visiting Colmar during chillier weather, opt for a comforting Spaetzle dish. Spaetzle is a type of egg dumpling noodle with a texture reminiscent of tiny, soft gnocchi. Try it as a main dish topped with melted cheese (like Munster) and mixed with those addictive lardons. It’s a warm, hearty meal that pairs beautifully with Alsatian wine or cold beer.

For dinner, I recommend Les Bateliers for its canal views. Other great options include Wistub Brenner, known for its cozy vibe, and Le Quai 21, which adds an Italian flair to typical Alsatian dishes.

Pro Tip: Restaurants close earlier in Colmar than in larger cities, so when you visit Colmar France you’ll be back to dining between 6–8 PM. Reservations are recommended, but a friendly bonjour and discreet table request often work just as well.

What to See and Do When You Visit Colmar France

Okay, we know Colmar is pretty, but what is there to actually do besides wandering around? Honestly, wandering might be the best activity, but if you’re the type who needs a plan, here are some things to try while exploring this Alsatian jewel.

 

Walk to Maison Pfister and Get a Local Wine Recommendation

A visit to Maison Pfister won’t be hard to manage—you’ll almost be magnetically drawn there if you’re near the Collégiale Saint-Martin de Colmar. Once you duck off the main square, the medieval part of Colmar feels wonderfully real. Buildings crowd together and lean forward, and the air feels cooler and a bit more mysterious.

No building embodies this more than the Maison Pfister. Dating back to 1537, it’s easy to see why this structure could inspire a movie about a wizard like Howl’s Moving Castle. With its intricate murals and turreted corner, you can practically imagine Sophie and Howl landing on the railing above you.

Fun fact: it used to be a hatter’s shop (perhaps another nod from Miyazaki’s movie). Today, Maison Pfister houses a wine shop. Step inside when you visit Colmar France and ask the friendly staff for a recommendation on locally produced Alsatian wine.

 

See Where the Statue of Liberty Was “Born”

If you’ve seen the Statue of Liberty in New York and her little sister in Paris, why not visit where she was first conceived? The Musée Bartholdi is just around the corner from Maison Pfister.

Here, you’ll learn about local boy Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor behind Liberty Enlightening the World. Of particular interest are the preparatory models that eventually became the iconic statue. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the creative process and a poignant reminder of the historic friendship between America and France.

Pro Tip: While there’s another, larger Statue of Liberty replica on the outskirts of Colmar, it’s surrounded by a roundabout. Skip it.

 

Count the Storks

Storks are kind of a big deal in Alsace, and Colmar is no exception! These elegant white birds can often be seen nesting on top of the Collégiale Saint-Martin de Colmar in spring and summer.

Storks visit Colmar France every year, returning to the same nesting spots to hatch their young. Locals adore their temporary neighbors and even see them as a sign of good fortune. Don’t be surprised if you notice people suddenly looking up at rooftops—join in, and you might see a mother stork encouraging her fledglings to fly.

 

Stroll Through the Petite Venise

To the southwest of the cathedral lies Petite Venise, an enchanting area known for its picturesque canals and half-timbered homes.

Visit the Marché Couvert

The Marché Couvert (open daily except Mondays) is a must-see. This bustling indoor market features artisan stalls offering everything from fresh produce to pastries.

Need a quick bite? Try a Bretzel (a cousin of the pretzel). Or, grab a seat at the marché’s café overlooking the canal and savor a snack with a view.

Explore the Christmas Markets (If in Season)

Alsace is the Christmas capital of France, and Colmar boasts six Christmas markets around town. It’s hard to tell where the markets end and the rest of the city begins since the entire place is decked out in festive splendor.

Must-try items:

• Glühwein (mulled wine) to warm your hands and spirit.
• Gourmet bites from the maîtres restaurateurs market, featuring dishes from local chefs.

If you miss Christmas time, don’t worry—several stores in Colmar are Christmas-themed year-round.

 

Embrace the Laid-Back Pace of Colmar

Coming from Paris or another bustling city, Colmar feels like a deep exhale.

Staying the night when you visit Colmar France is the best way to soak in the tranquil vibe. Once the day-trippers leave, the town quiets down, and you can enjoy a drink at a bar or terrace without rushing. Whether it’s warm or cold outside, take the opportunity to savor the moment.

 

Wander More Than You Thought Possible

Seriously, just wander. Pick a direction and go. Turn only at stork sightings (real or stuffed), follow the sound of bubbling fountains, or let your nose lead you to fresh Tarte Flambée.

For inspiration, try these streets and areas:

• Pl. de la Cathédrale: Centered around the Collégiale Saint-Martin de Colmar, this square is ideal for people-watching and al fresco dining.
• Rue des Marchands: A narrow, bustling street lined with shops. Don’t miss Maison Pfister along the way.
• Schwendi Fountain: A quieter square for a drink or snack by the fountain.
• Rue des Tanneurs: A short walk south of Schwendi Fountain, featuring a small canal and lovely homes.
• Quai de la Poissonnerie: A canal-side street in Petite Venise with storybook-perfect views.

 

Customize Your Colmar Experience

Colmar may look like a postcard, but it’s also a blank canvas for your interests.

Chat with a café owner with the biggest legs you’ve ever seen about cycling. Visit a local anime store to see your favorite titles in French. Catch a performance at the underrated municipal theater. Wander beyond the old town and see what the locals are up to.

See yourself in Colmar when you do your research, and you’ll be rewarded far beyond just the typical sightseeing.

 

Take Your Time when you visit Colmar France

Colmar is an easy town to enjoy without feeling rushed. Its medieval charm, laid-back vibe, and beautiful scenery make it a perfect getaway. Stay the night, explore at your own pace, and let the magic of Alsace unfold around you.

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