Colmar, France: where is it, when to go and what to see

It reminds one a little of Germany and in other respects a little of France. And indeed, Colmar, also geographically, lies right on the border between these two great nations. One of the most enchanting cities in Europe, Colmar is a small jewel of Alsace, nestled at the foot of the Vosges mountain massif, nicknamed Petite Venice because of the bridges and canals that make it truly magical and romantic. The beauty and atmosphere of the city enchant in every season, but it is in autumn that it takes on an even more fascinating allure. Being located on the Route du Vin, the famous Alsace Wine Route, crossing the streets winding through the vineyards characterised by the warm colours of foliage is a truly breathtaking spectacle.

Here are some tips to help you organise a stay in Colmar!

Informed travel: useful info

• Inhabitants: 70,284

• Language: French, Alsatian

• Local currency: euro (€)

• Climate: grey, cold winters with very frequent snowfalls and mild summers with possible thunderstorms

• Nearest airports: Colmar-Houssen, Strasbourg (54 km), Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (57 km), Zurich (113 km), Stuttgart (152 km), Baden-Baden (132 km) and Luxembourg (192 km)

Where it is located

Colmar is located in north-eastern France, in Alsace, in the Haut-Rhin department, a short distance from the German border. At the foot of the Vosges massif, it is the third largest city in Alsace and the second largest in the Haut-Rhin département, after Mulhouse.

How to get there

• FromMilan or Rome: there are no direct flights from Italy, so it is recommended to land at nearby airports such as Strasbourg (66 km away) and Baden-Baden (120 km away).

• From major European capitals: main connections to Colmar are provided by KLM from Amsterdam, Lufhtansa from Frankfurt, Czech Airlines from Prague

When to go? Info on climate and best time

• Climate: semi-continental, with cold, grey winters and moderately hot, stormy summers. Rainfall is frequent, as are winter snowfalls, which are generally not abundant. Average temperature in January 1.7°, in July, 20.2°.

• Best period: mid-May to mid-September because it is the warmest and sunniest of the year

• Period to avoid: from November to February it is very cold and the risk of snow is high, however during the Christmas holidays the city takes on a special charm

• Advice: even in the height of summer, it can be cool or even a little chilly at night. It is therefore advisable to bring a sweatshirt or jumper and a light jacket for the evenings even in July and August

10 things to see in and around Colmar

1. La Petite Venice: the most characteristic quarter and the most photographed corner. A view from one of the many bridges over the canals

2. St Martin's Collegiate Church: the town's most important religious building, one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture in Alsace

3. Covered market: characteristic market frequented daily by locals housed in a historic and characteristic structure dating back to 1865. A series of kiosks selling foodstuffs and specialities of the local cuisine

4. Bartholdi Museum: house-museum of the sculptor who designed the Statue of Liberty in New York. Original scale models of his most famous works are on display

5. Old Colmar Customs House: Koïfhus in Alsatian dialect, is the oldest in the city. It is a very characteristic building built in 1480 where goods were stored and taxed before being imported or exported.

6. Unterlinden Museum: one of the most important in France, located in a former convent of Dominican nuns. In addition to the splendid cloisters, you can admire works of art from every era, by both local and international artists

7. Maison des Têtes and Maison Pfister, among the oldest in the city. The former takes its name from the incredible number of stone heads emerging from its façade, the latter is famous for its typical 'erker', the protruding two-storey window

8. La Route de Vins d'Alsace: among the oldest in France, the Alsatian Wine Route stretches 170 km from Marlenheim to Thann. A route through vineyards, medieval castles and wine cellars where you can taste excellent wines.

9. Christmas markets: despite being the coldest time of year, they are a great attraction. They are generally set up in the most characteristic places in the old town: Place des Dominicains, Place de l'Ancienne Douane, Place Jeanne d'Arca and Petite Venise

10. Eguisheim: typical Alsace-style village with narrow streets and half-timbered houses. In the central square is the castle and around it the streets are arranged in concentric circles

What to do in Colmar: excursions and tours

How much does it cost to visit Colmar? Prices, offers and tips

A stay in Colmar is not one that can be described as cheap. As far as flights are concerned, there are hardly any super offers and it is recommended to land in Strasbourg or Baden-Baden, which are connected by direct flights to Italy.

Once you've reached your destination, if you don't just want to stay in the country but want to explore the surroundings, it is strongly recommended to rent a car (one week from €118.00). In this case, we recommend the purchase of the Pass-Alsace, with free access to 56 tourist sites in Alsace! To get around Colmar on foot, we recommend the 2-hour Segway tour to get acclimatised in the city!

For accommodation, unless you are going to sleep in Strasbourg where the big international establishments are also to be found, in Colmar there are more like small to medium-sized guesthouses of a good standard with prices starting at €50.00 per room. For food, prices are in the European average: a dinner in a good restaurant is around €25.00/30.00 per person, even more if you drink wine. If you are a wine lover, we recommend the one-day wine tasting tour from Colmar!