- Colmar escaped major destruction during both World Wars, which preserved its architectural integrity and diverse historic building styles.
- The city is the birthplace of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor who designed the Statue of Liberty.
- Colmar was the last city in France to be liberated from German occupation during World War II, with fighting ending in February 1945.
- The region's unique microclimate makes it one of the driest cities in France, supporting the surrounding vineyard culture.
- The city has historically served as a critical hub for the Alsatian wine trade, formalizing its position as the heart of the Alsace Wine Route.
About Colmar
Colmar serves as the capital of the Alsatian wine region, renowned for its remarkably preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture. The city's identity is shaped by its distinctive half-timbered houses and the winding canals of La Petite Venise. Visitors can explore the creative legacy of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi at the Musée Bartholdi or enjoy the historical scale of the Collégiale Saint-Martin de Colmar. The cityscape blends Germanic and French cultural influences, reflected in both its heritage and its unique aesthetic landscape.
Highlights of Colmar
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
Navigate the charming, flower-lined canals that define this picturesque district.
Museums
Examine the life and works of the local sculptor behind the Statue of Liberty.
Temples
Observe the intricate Gothic architecture and stained glass of this historic collegiate church.
Museums
Browse an extensive collection of historical toys spanning from the 19th century to the present.
Places of interest
View a replica monument dedicated to the city's most famous artistic son.
Places of interest
Take a guided loop through the historic center to see landmarks without walking the entire route.
Temples
Visit this 13th-century church to view the significant Schongauer altarpiece.
Museums
Discover the illustrated works of Jean-Jacques Waltz, better known as the artist Hansi.
Top things to do in Colmar
The 60 highest-rated places in Colmar, ranked by travellers.
1
Places of interest
La Petite Venise is a historic district in Colmar, France, characterized by half-timbered Alsatian houses lining the Lau...
2
Parks
Parc du Champ de Mars is a historic central park in Colmar spanning several hectares, serving as the city's primary gree...
3
Places of interest
This 12-meter-tall replica of the Statue of Liberty commemorates Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the Colmar-born sculptor wh...
4
Museums
The Musée du Jouet in Colmar is housed in a former cinema and showcases a collection of toys spanning from the 19th cent...
5
Places of interest
The Petit Train Touristique de Colmar consists of green-colored open-air electric trains that provide guided tours throu...
6
Temples
The Collégiale Saint-Martin is a primary example of Gothic architecture in the Alsace region, constructed predominantly...
7
Museums
The Village Hansi & its Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Jean-Jacques Waltz, a renowned Alsatian artist and i...
8
Temples
The Église des Dominicains in Colmar is a 14th-century Gothic church renowned for housing 'The Virgin in the Rose Bower'...
9
Museums
The Musée Bartholdi is located in the ancestral home of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor famous for creating the...
10
Venues
The Théâtre Municipal de Colmar is an Italian-style venue constructed in 1849, situated in the historic center of the ci...
11
Parks
12
Museums
13
Places of interest
14
Places of interest
15
Historical places
16
Beaches and ponds
17
Parks
18
Venues
19
Venues
20
Temples
21
Historical places
22
Temples
23
Venues
24
Places of interest
25
Historical places
26
Venues
27
Parks
28
Temples
29
Historical places
30
Temples
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Colmar on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Colmar
Late spring (May-June) or the winter holiday season, when the city hosts its internationally recognized Christmas markets.
2-3 days
The city center is highly compact and best explored on foot, though a tourist train is available for guided orientation.
Stay in or near the Old Town (Vieux Colmar) to remain within walking distance of major historic sites and canals.
Mid-range; while accessible, accommodation and dining in popular tourist districts can command premium pricing.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 60 curated attractions in and around Colmar, ranked by traveller ratings.
La Petite Venise is the highest-rated place to visit in Colmar right now.
The largest category is temples, with 13 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Paris, Lyon, Lormont.
Explore more of France
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
