Colmar

Petite Venise follows the Lauch canal through the southern part of the old town and is Colmar’s most photographed area.

Colourful half-timbered houses, small bridges, flowers and reflections on the water create a distinctly storybook atmosphere within a compact area.

Quai de la Poissonnerie lies close by and recalls the quarter where fishmongers and merchants once worked.

The area is at its best early in the morning or in the evening, and can also be seen on a short trip aboard a flat-bottomed boat.

Musée Unterlinden occupies a 13th-century convent connected to the former municipal baths and a modern extension.

The museum’s most celebrated work is the Isenheim Altarpiece, while its collections also cover archaeology, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, decorative art and modern art.

The architecture makes this more than a conventional museum visit, with historic rooms, an underground gallery and modern exhibition spaces.

Allow at least a couple of hours if art and history are an important part of your visit.

Colmar’s old town is a close-knit network of streets and squares lined with Gothic buildings, Renaissance houses and colourful half-timbered façades.

Maison Pfister is especially known for its corner turret, gallery and decorated façade, while Koïfhus recalls the city’s role as a trading centre.

Rue des Marchands, Grand Rue and Place de l’Ancienne Douane are natural parts of a walk through the centre.

Also look for Maison des Têtes, Saint-Martin Church and the smaller side streets, which are often quieter than the main routes.

Musée Bartholdi occupies Auguste Bartholdi’s childhood home on Rue des Marchands.

The displays present sculptures, models, drawings and personal possessions belonging to the artist who created the Statue of Liberty.

The museum offers a fascinating insight into how major monuments develop from an idea and sketch into a completed work.

The compact museum visit combines well with Maison Pfister, Koïfhus and a walk through the old town.

The covered market stands beside the Lauch canal between Petite Venise and the fishmongers’ quarter.

Here you will find produce, cheese, pastries, charcuterie, wine and simple meals from local producers and food stalls.

Quai de la Poissonnerie has a historic connection with the fishmongers who once lived and worked beside the water.

Combine the market with lunch, a walk along the canals and a visit to Rue des Tanneurs.

Colmar lies at the heart of the southern Alsace Wine Route, making it easy to combine city life with small wine villages.

Eguisheim, Turckheim, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé can be combined into shorter or longer itineraries.

The area is especially known for white wines such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris, as well as Crémant and Pinot Noir.

A car offers the greatest freedom, while bicycles, organised tours and seasonal shuttle buses are good alternatives when wine tasting is part of the day.