We were deep into our road trip having already crossed the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg when the scenery started to change. Just after Strasbourg, the landscape gently opened up. Rolling hills, endless rows of vineyards, tiny church steeples peeking through the greenery.  It was as if someone had laid out a perfect French countryside painting just for us.

That’s when we knew: we were getting close to Colmar.

🍷 Welcome to the Heart of the Alsace Wine Region

Colmar sits right in the middle of the Alsace wine region, and it shows. The town itself is stunning, but it’s also surrounded by postcard-perfect villages—some officially recognized as “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”. We managed to visit a few during our stay (I’ll write more about those in a separate post), but truthfully Colmar alone had so much charm, we didn’t feel the need to overload the itinerary with extra stops or overly kid-focused activities. The town itself was enough to keep us all enchanted.

A Town Straight from the Pages of a Storybook

The historic centre of Colmar truly feels like it’s been lifted from the pages of a beautifully illustrated book. As we wandered through the half-timbered houses all of them in splendid colours, it was hard not to think of scenes from Beauty and the Beast—those charming balconies, shuttered windows, and flower boxes spilling over with colour. My husband and I kept pausing to take it all in, even the kids, usually racing ahead, slowed down to look. There’s something about Colmar that draws you into the present moment without even trying—a gentle kind of enchantment that lingers.

🚣‍♀️ Little Venice – Calm Waters and Storybook Views

A highlight of our time in Colmar was the iconic boat ride through Little Venice. Gliding along the River Lauch, we passed beneath charming wooden bridges and alongside beautifully preserved houses leaning over the water. Toward the end, the ride took us under a canopy of tall trees—like slipping quietly into a forest. It was serene, almost magical, and offered a completely different view of the town that made all of us, kids included, fall a little more in love with Colmar.

🗺️ Landmarks, Clues, and a Toy Shuttle

Rather than following a traditional sightseeing route, we turned our visit into a bit of an adventure with a scavenger hunt from the World City Trail app. It led us from clue to clue across Colmar’s main landmarks and hidden nooks, making the day fun, interactive, and surprisingly educational—without anyone asking, “Are we done yet?”

We explored the historic Koïfhus, once the town’s customs house, with its iconic tiled roof and bold presence. Just nearby, we admired the Adolph House, one of the oldest buildings in Colmar, with its modest Gothic charm that speaks volumes to those who look closely. The magnificent Saint Martin Church quickly became my favourite. Its quiet majesty, soaring vaults, and intricate stained-glass windows left a lasting impression and an unexpected moment of peace amid a day full of movement.

We eventually made our way to Place Rapp, where the children ran between colourful flags while we took a breather with a local aperitif. From there, we continued to the impressive Bruat Fountain, a grand monument with bold statues symbolizing the four continents, nestled in a leafy square just far enough from the tourist buzz to feel special.

And just when we thought we were ready to collapse, La Navette appeared. This delightful electric shuttle, no bigger than a toy bus, cruised past us like a little miracle. It’s free, fun, and perfect for cobbled streets—and I must say, it was one of my favourite little pleasures of the day.

And if you prefer a more active pace, Colmar is also perfect for exploring by bike. The streets are flat and easy to navigate, and you’ll often find locals pedalling along with their groceries or kids in tow.

🍫 Museums, Chocolate, and Skipping the Checklist

Colmar is home to several museums, and while we didn’t dive into all of them, they’re worth mentioning. We passed by the Unterlinden Museum, a cultural staple with a wide-ranging collection—from medieval altarpieces to modern art—but didn’t go in due to time. The Toy Museum, although endearing, didn’t capture our kids’ interest as it’s more nostalgic (to us at least) than interactive.

We also skipped Choco-Story, the chocolate museum that offers hands-on workshops for children. It looked sweet (pun intended), but even the promise of chocolate couldn’t pull our kids away from the Scavenger Hunt in the Town. And honestly, that’s a compliment to the town itself.

🛍️ Covered Market Magic

The Marché Couvert quickly became one of our favourite stops—especially for me and my daughter, who proudly share the foodie gene. We couldn’t help but sample a few things on the spot, and then stocked up on local charcuterie and wines to take home. The market was buzzing with energy, but not overwhelming. Outside, horse-drawn carriages clip-clopped along the cobblestones, reminding us once again that we were walking through a place that feels almost too perfect to be real.

Eating in Colmar – The Alsatian Way

Food in Colmar is a story in itself. But one thing to know upfront: timing is everything. Breakfast is served until 11:00 AM, lunch typically ends around 2:00 PM, and restaurants then close until dinner service begins between 6:30 and 7:00 PM. If you’re coming from a Mediterranean routine, this might require a little planning—and yes, even in low season, reservations are a must.

We started our days with breakfast at Mokka Café Déjeuner, which offers full plates—eggs, breads, spreads—but only if you arrive early. After 11, it’s mostly pastries and sweets. Another delightful option is Au Croissant Doré, a vintage-style café that transports you to another era. The croissants here are as good as they say, but they disappear fast.

Lunch and dinner were equally memorable. Jadis et Gourmande felt like the definition of a cozy French bistro, right in the middle of town. Meistermann stood out with its timeless Alsatian dishes, from pork knuckle to buttery spaetzle, all cooked to perfection. And at La Kilbe, we tasted a more modern take on Alsatian cuisine, with inventive touches that kept our table curious and happy.

Alsace is known for its tarte flambée—a thin, crispy flatbread topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon—along with its rich sausages, comforting choucroute, and hearty stews.

The Alsace Wine Experience

If there’s one thing you absolutely shouldn’t miss in Colmar, it’s a wine tasting. The town is right at the heart of the Alsace wine route, and some of the best Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer in the world are produced just a few kilometers away. You’ll find plenty of wine bars and caves in town offering tastings, but it’s a good idea to book in advance, especially during weekends or holidays. Whether you’re a casual wine drinker or a passionate taster, sampling Alsace wines here is an experience not to be rushed.  I understand that when with kids,  it might seem like a challenge, but many places are welcoming to families and even offer a look into the winemaking process, which our children actually found fascinating.

🗺️ Getting There – Colmar’s Handy Location

Colmar is easy to reach and makes a wonderful base for exploring the region. It’s just under an hour by train from Strasbourg, about 50 minutes by car from Basel in Switzerland and approximately an hour and 20 minutes from Freiburg Airport in Germany. Whether you’re flying in or arriving by train, it’s a smooth journey—and once you’re there, everything within the town is wonderfully walkable or bike-friendly.

Whether you’re planning your next family road trip or simply dreaming of springtime strolls and good wine, Colmar is one of those places that truly stays with you. Save this guide for when you go—and if you need more inspiration or behind-the-scenes glimpses from our trip, come find us over on Instagram @holimadetravel  where we share even more photos, tips, and little moments from the road. ✨

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