Tourism & Activities
in Colmar
Take advantage of your stay at the Brit Hotel Le Relais du Ried to discover all the tourist treasures of Colmar and its region.
What to visit in Colmar ?
A thousand years of history are gazing at you! Colmar is a town with a rich past and its historic centre is the figurehead. Discover it during a wander, and enjoy the charms of the Maison des Têtes (with 111 heads decorating its façade) or the Maison Pfister (a pretty Renaissance bourgeois dwelling in a medieval style).
Colmar’s religious heritage is also worth discovering, with for example the Dominican Church and the Saint-Martin Collegiate Church which are both beautiful examples of Gothic art. Wander around the streets and admire the beautiful colours... Then head to the Quai de la Poissonnerie district and enjoy the charm of this former fishing and fish market spot.
Colmar is also a museum town. The famous Unterlinden Museum houses an impressive collection of sculptures dating from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance (notably the world-renowned ‘Isenheim Altarpiece’ by Matthias Grünewald).
The Bartholdi Museum, situated in the former house of the sculptor, holds a lovely collection of sculptures, drawings, sketches, paintings...
Activities in Colmar
It is impossible to talk of Colmar without mentioning its Christmas market! Like many towns in the East of France, Colmar dons its finest colours at the end of the year.
Throughout December, the magic of Christmas invades the town and its different squares. Enjoy this distinctive atmosphere and inhale the delicious odours of orange and cinnamon which flavour the town.
For a moment of fun as a family or among friends, head to the Parc du Petit Prince! This 24-hectare aerial theme park holds 32 attractions and activities all linked to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s hero: Aerobar, tethered balloons, 3D and 4D cinemas, a little tourist train...
Eager for a breath of fresh air?
The Ballons de Vosges Nature Park welcomes you for a revitalising hike. This park which stretches over 3000 km² is one of the largest in France. Journey on the marked paths on the lookout for the exceptional fauna and flora.
Colmar can also be discovered by boat. Head off on a boat trip and enjoy a guided visit of the ‘Petite Venise’ district and Quai de la Poissonnerie.
More information:
Inhabitants of Colmar are sometimes nicknamed ‘Kolbnarren’, which literally means ‘crazy about hammers’. This nickname is due to the legend that Hercules, during a stop in Colmar, lost his hammer after a boozy evening. Which would explain, according to certain people, the presence of a hammer on the town’s coat of arms.
Your visit of Colmar
A thousand years of history awaits you! Colmar is a city with a rich past, and its historic centre is the figurehead of it. Discover it during a stroll in Colmar and let yourself be seduced by the charm of the Maison des Têtes (111 heads adorn its façade) or the Maison Pfister (a pretty bourgeois residence from the Renaissance period but in medieval style).
Colmar's religious heritage is also worth discovering, with the Dominican Church and the Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin, for example, which are very fine examples of Gothic art.
Stroll through the streets during your visit to Colmar and admire the beautiful signs... Then go to the Quai de la Poissonnerie and enjoy the charm of this area, which used to be a place for fishing and selling fish.
Colmar is also a city of museums. The famous Musée d'Unterlinden houses an impressive collection of sculptures dating from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance (including the world-famous "Issenheim Altarpiece" by Matthias Grünewald). The Bartholdi Museum, located in the sculptor's former home, houses a fine collection of sculptures, drawings, sketches, paintings, etc.
Activites in Colmar
It is impossible to visit Colmar and its surroundings without visiting its Christmas market! Like many towns in eastern France, Colmar is dressed in its finest at the end of the year. During the whole month of December, the magic of Christmas invades the town and its various squares. Enjoy the special atmosphere and smell the delicious orange and cinnamon fragrances that fill the town.
For a moment of fun with family and friends, go to the Little Prince Park! This 24-hectare aerial park has 32 attractions and activities linked to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's hero: aerobar, large captive balloon, 3D and 4D cinema, small train, etc.
Are you spending a weekend in Colmar looking for a breath of fresh air? The Ballons de Vosges Regional Nature Park welcomes you for a rejuvenating hike. This park, which covers 3000 km², is one of the largest in France. Set off along the marked trails to encounter exceptional flora and fauna.
Colmar can also be discovered by boat. Take a boat trip and enjoy a guided tour of the Petite Venise district and the Quai de la Poissonnerie.
One day in Colmar would not be enough to discover all the wonders of the Alsatian city. To visit Colmar is to lose yourself in the immensity of history and to marvel at the beauty and richness of its heritage, whether architectural, cultural or tourist.
Did you know?
The people of Colmar are sometimes nicknamed the "Kolbnarren", literally "club nuts". This nickname is due to the legend that Hercules, during a stopover in Colmar, forgot his club after an evening of drinking. This would explain, according to some, the presence of a club on the town's coat of arms.