Colmar and Strasbourg are always on the must-see list when visiting Alsace. I was lucky to see them both, and they’re worth your time. If you’re planning a trip and can only pick one, which should you choose? I’ve compared my experience in Colmar and Strasbourg to help you decide which town in Alsace will suit you best.
In a nutshell, did I prefer Colmar or Strasbourg? Most people would recommend visiting Colmar over Strasbourg. While I found Colmar prettier, it wasn’t the most charming destination we visited in Alsace. Visiting Strasbourg was particularly interesting because of its history and variety of architectural types: the link between France and Germany there is very unique. In Colmar, you step into a fairy-tale book whereas in Strasbourg, you step into a history book.
What I loved in Colmar
When I visited Colmar, I was enchanted by its fairy-tale charm. This town seems to have stepped straight out of a storybook, with cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses painted in cheerful pastel colours near a serene canal. It’s a great option for anyone seeking charm, nice typical Alsacian architecture and good photo opportunities. But don’t be mistaken: Colmar isn’t a quaint village, so if you have time, I highly recommend also exploring the nearby region!
Key features of Colmar
- La Petite Venise (Little Venice): This iconic district, with its canal lined by colourful houses, was my favourite spot in Colmar. It really gives charm to the town. We opted for a romantic stroll rather than a scenic boat ride due to time constraints as we also had planned to visit villages nearby. There are many restaurants along the canal to enjoy the beautiful settings.
- Peaceful atmosphere: It is touristy but it is smaller than Strasbourg and we could visit it at a more relaxed pace.
- Wine-tasting opportunities and nearby villages: Colmar is located along the Alsace Wine Route, making it a perfect base for exploring nearby vineyards. Colmar’s proximity to picturesque villages like Eguisheim and Riquewihr is a major advantage. We rented a car while in Alsace, and I found it easy to spend half a day in Colmar and another half exploring one of these charming spots.
- The Statue of Liberty: We drove to Colmar and I was surprised to see a 12-metre high replica of the Statue of Liberty, right at the north entrance of the town. It is to celebrate Auguste Bartholi, the creator of the famous monument, who was born in Colmar. The Schwendi Fountain in the town centre is another design by Bartholi that is worth admiring.
- Christmas market: If you visit during the holiday season, you’ll find Colmar transformed into a winter wonderland.
What I loved in Strasbourg
Strasbourg is a lively city full of history, with a mix of architectural styles you won’t find elsewhere. It’s not just the capital of Alsace but also a political and cultural hub, home to the European Parliament. The city has both French and German influences, but also beautiful medieval architecture and offers a captivating journey through time.
Key features of Strasbourg
- Strasbourg Cathedral: This stunning Gothic masterpiece is one of Europe’s tallest buildings and an architectural marvel.
- Boat tours: Seeing the city from the water gives an interesting perspective and allows you to cover a lot of ground easily. The commentaries during the tour help to understand the fascinating history of the city.
- Capital of Europe: What fascinated me most was its history as a city that’s been both French and German, blending both influences beautifully. Today, Strasbourg is home to the European Parliament and symbolizes unity and cooperation.
- Petite France: With its canals and old houses, I found it was Strasbourg’s most charming area, a bit comparable to Colmar’s Petite Venise but less colourful.
- Dining and nightlife: Strasbourg’s vibrant culinary scene ranges from Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy winstubs (Alsatian wine bars).
- Christmas market: Strasbourg is known to host France’s largest Christmas market.
Comparing Colmar and Strasbourg
Atmosphere and size
- Colmar: Intimate and idyllic, Colmar’s small-town charm makes it perfect for a relaxing getaway, if you don’t mind having a lot of tourists around. It’s easy to navigate and you will quickly feel at ease. You can cover it all at a slow pace in a few hours, following the 6km circuit in the town centre. And if you like to have very full days, its small size can also allow you to combine a visit to nearby villages*.
- Strasbourg: Larger and more dynamic, Strasbourg will keep you busy. In fact, one day in Strasbourg is barely enough to explore its main attractions. The European capital can be almost overwhelming. It’s an intercultural city with many students, creating a special vibe you won’t find elsewhere in the region. There are beautiful nearby villages to explore, but it takes at least half a day* and I think you’d be rushing it if you only spent half a day in Strasbourg.
Architecture and history
- Colmar: Renowned for its medieval architecture, Colmar feels like stepping back in time.
- Strasbourg: Offers a fascinating blend of Gothic, medieval, and modern influences. Its role as a city that has shifted between French and German control over centuries makes it unique and fascinating, even if you’re not a history bluff.
Food and wine
- Colmar: Colmar is on the Alsace Wine Route, France’s oldest wine route. So wine lovers can have the opportunity to visit reputed French vineyards during a trip to Colmar* or stay in the town to visit the Alsace Wine Museum* (with activities for kids too!). You’ll find plenty of options to try Alsacian food in Colmar and shouldn’t miss taking a short detour to the market hall next to the canal.
- Strasbourg: There are many restaurants in Strasbourg including many winstubs (Alsatian wine bars) to try local specialties. As it’s a bigger city, you’ll find more options to get out at night. You could also join a foodie tour* in the city. Winery tours also leave from Strasbourg*, but as mentioned before one day is already short to visit Strasbourg so it will be hard to fit in.
How to get there
- Strasbourg: Easily accessible by train and well-connected to other major cities, making it convenient for short visits or day trips. It’s even feasible to visit Strasbourg as a day trip from Paris.
- Colmar: While slightly further away and with no direct train from Paris to Colmar, it’s only about half an hour extra by train from Strasbourg.
Who should visit each?
Colmar and Strasbourg each have their own unique magic, making it hard to go wrong with either choice. Colmar is perfect for those craving a serene, fairy-tale escape, while Strasbourg is much bigger with more variety and history to offer.
Colmar
- Perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway and travellers who enjoy peaceful settings.
- A dream destination for photography enthusiasts.
- Better if you want to also explore nearby villages or wineries.
Strasbourg
- A must for anyone interested in the historical and modern significance of European unity.
- Excellent for history buffs and culture seekers.
- Easier to reach if you’re planning a day trip from Paris.
Did you visit Colmar or Strasbourg? Share your experience in the comments below!
Where are Strasbourg and Colmar?
Strasbourg and Colmar are located in the Alsace region of northeastern France, near the border with Germany. Colmar is about 70 kilometers to the south of Strasbourg. The two towns are well-connected and easily accessible with direct train to and from Paris.
The most efficient way to travel between the two cities is by train, with frequent direct services taking around 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive along the A35 highway, which offers a scenic route through the Alsatian countryside and takes approximately 45 minutes.
Many guided tours from Strasbourg stop in Colmar, such as this one*.