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Colmar often pops up in lists of the prettiest towns in France, with its colourful half-timbered houses, canals and cobblestone streets. During a few days in Alsace to visit family, we decided to go on a day trip to see for ourselves if Colmar was worth visiting, even just for one day.
First impressions of Colmar
Colmar really does look like a fairy tale village when you first arrive. The old town is small and walkable, with pastel-coloured houses, flowers spilling from window boxes, and the pretty Petite Venise canal area. Even if you’ve seen a hundred photos online, it’s hard not to stop and take more.
We went in summer and it was busy, but not overcrowded. You will be sharing the streets with other travellers, but it still feels enjoyable without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds you might see during the Christmas markets.
What to do in Colmar in one day
You can see most of the main sights just by wandering, but I recommend starting with a self-guided walking tour (6km). You can grab a physical map from the tourist information office, and there’s even an app with commentaries in French if you speak the language. Otherwise, you could join a tour with a local to save time and get extra insights or hop on the tourist train if you don’t want to walk.
Here are a few highlights you could fit into a one-day visit:
- Petite Venise – The postcard view. Go early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer people.
- The covered market (Marché Couvert) – Great for sampling Alsatian specialties like tarte flambée, cheeses and cured meats.
- Canal boat ride – A short but charming way to see the town from a different perspective. We didn’t go, but it looked like a fun option.
- St Martin’s Church – A beautiful Gothic church right in the centre.
- Unterlinden Museum – Home to the famous Isenheim Altarpiece, worth a visit if you like art and history and a great option if you’re unlucky with the weather.
If you started your day early, you could combine Colmar with a drive along the Alsace Wine Route, stopping in nearby villages. If you don’t have a car – or plan on tasting wine – there are half-day tours that will take you there. It’s really worth it!
So, was Colmar worth visiting for only one day?
Absolutely. A day trip was enough for us to see a lot without feeling rushed. However, if that’s an option for you, I’d highly recommend staying overnight. It’s always nice to enjoy a place in the evening when the day-trippers have left and the atmosphere changes. And if you’re visiting on a Friday or Saturday, you can also experience Colmar’s unique lighting system: computer-controlled illuminations that highlight the town’s architecture in shifting colours and intensities, giving the streets a magical atmosphere after dark.
In December, it’s even more worth staying overnight, as the Christmas markets are far more enjoyable once the daytime crowds have gone.
Things to know about Colmar before you go
- It’s touristy – Don’t expect to have the place to yourself unless you visit in low season.
- It’s walkable – The old town is compact, so you won’t need a car unless you’re exploring the wine route (or you could book a tour).
- It’s not cheap – Food and accommodation prices are higher than in less touristy parts of France.
- It’s all worth it – Even with limited time, I was completely charmed by Colmar.
Have you been to Colmar? Share your experience in the comments below.
Where is Colmar?
Colmar is in the Alsace region of north-eastern France, close to the German border. It’s easy to get there by train from Paris – even as a day trip, although it makes for a very long day. You can also catch a train from Strasbourg to Colmar in less than an hour. You don’t need a car if you’re just visiting Colmar.
We took a high-speed train from Paris to Strasbourg and then rented an electric car to explore the region and its charming villages. Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé are close to Colmar and worth a visit if you have time. A bit further away, Andlau and Mittelbergheim were much quieter. We also spent some time in Strasbourg during the same trip – you can read my Colmar vs Strasbourg comparison here.
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