How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Colmar Itinerary

Last Updated on 19th August 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

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Picture perfect Colmar lies alongside the banks of the River Lauch close to the border with Germany. Located on the fringes of France, this Alsatian town offers up a beautiful blend of French and Germanic architecture in the form of pastel hued houses, timber-framed homes, and delightful scenery across the year. Even if you only have a short time in Colmar, you’re sure to fall swiftly in love. Here’s how to spend the perfect one day in Colmar itinerary.

Is one day in Colmar enough?

One of the most important questions to ask yourself is whether or not 24 hours in Colmar is really enough time to see the city. Thanks to the fact that many of the city’s most famous attractions are all a stone’s throw away from one another, I would personally say yes!

However, if you prefer to enjoy slower pace, then you’ll want to book a stay in Colmar for two or three days. If you’re also considering visiting Strasbourg, be sure to check out our guide to Strasbourg vs Colmar.

What is Colmar known for?

Colmar is famous for its timber-framed houses, which are clustered around a maze of a historic city centre. The little canals in Colmar look like they’ve been plucked straight out of a fairytale, lending themselves to making Colmar one of the most beautiful cities in France.

Getting to Colmar

Colmar has easy transport links to plenty of important cities across Europe, including Paris, Zurich, and Basel. The closest international airport is Basel, which is in Switzerland and serves destinations all over Europe.

If you’re planning on visiting Colmar as part of a longer Christmas route, check out our suggested Christmas Market itinerary.

Colmar also happens to be one of the most important stops along a wine route called the Alsatian wine route. It is of such importance to wine from the Alsace, that it is often dubbed the “capital of Alsatian wine.”

Suggested one day in Colmar itinerary

Start with a visit to Little Venice

So-called thanks to its beautiful waterway which snakes through the city and peeks out from below rows of timber-framed houses, Little Venice is undoubtedly the most charming place to visit in Colmar.

Unfortunately this also means that it is the most popular place to go to and so you’ll want to go as early as possible to capture snaps with the fewest amount of crowds possible.

Explore the old town

If you’ve ever searched images of France during the festive period, then no doubt you’ll have come across images of Old Town Colmar. A wander through this part of the city feels akin to strolling back in time to medieval France.

The best way to get around the city is on your own two feet as much of inner Colmar is pedestrianised, meaning that comfortable shoes such as sneakers are imperative. If you wish to get to know the town on a more historical level, then you can consider booking a walking tour like this one.

Some not to be missed highlights of Colmar old town include the centrally located St Martin’s Church, the 17th-century House of Heads (which boasts 111 sculptures of heads), and the Pfister House, which is home to a wooden gallery and murals.

Have lunch at the covered market

After a morning of snapping postcard worthy photos and mooching about the charming streets, you’re bound to be hungry and so should be sure to head to the covered market, which is known in French as Le Marché Couvert de Colmar.

Traditional in style and constructed during the latter half of the 19th-century, Les Halles sits in the very heart of the historic city centre, somewhere between the Collegiate Church of Saint Martin and La Petite Venise (i.e. one of the most picturesque places in the city).

Step inside during open hours and you’ll soon feast your eyes on a selection of fresh produce from the nearby region and beyond. From artisanal tipples to fresh fruit and vegetables, locals and visitors mingle between the delectable eats and treats for sale.

One particularly interesting feature is a bronze statue fountain of a winegrower which was designed by Auguste Bartholdi in the late 1860s. Though the original statue has since been moved to the Musée Bartholdi for safekeeping, a replica has stood in its place since 1986.

Take a boat ride/ learn to make chocolate

If you’re the kind of person who likes a laid back and relaxed activity after dining, then taking a boat ride. is the right course of action to take. Boat rides take visitors along the River Lauch. Find more details here.

Alternatively, if you haven’t had enough of a sweet fix, then you can book a chocolate making workshop. Create your own chocolate bar, all while learning the secret of chocolate making from a chocolatier. Check prices and availability here.

Head out for dinner for traditional Alsace cuisine

If there’s one travel tip I could give you before booking a trip to Colmar, it’s that you should be sure to make dinner reservations well in advance. This is particularly true of the high season (during the summer and while the Christmas Market is on) when the best places are booked up days in advance.

Alsatian cuisine is pretty meat and stew heavy, with strong influences by Germanic cuisine. Some traditional dishes from the region include foie gras, baeckeoffe, and tarte flambee.

With this being said, over the past few days there has been an increase in the number of vegetarian offerings in Alsace. Some of the best vegetarian food in Colmar includes Cuit lu Cru and L’Arpège, where a vegan menu is on offer.

If the Christmas Markets are on…

If the Christmas Markets are happening while you’re visiting Colmar, then you’ll want to completely change up your itinerary so as to incorporate a visit to the Colmar markets, which are truly some of the best and most magical in the world.

Begin the day by heading to Little Venice as, even during the winter, this popular spot is ever busy and so you’ll get the best photos (with the fewest number of people in them) by heading to this area first thing.

You’ll then likely want to spend the entire day strolling around enjoying the markets, but also be sure to also check out some of Colmar’s top hidden gems. When it comes to eating, you’ll probably want to eat at the Christmas Markets. To see a little of what is on offer, check out our Christmas Markets food guide.

Where to stay in Colmar at Christmas

As you might expect from such a beautiful town, Colmar has no shortage of places to stay to suit every budget and need. Here’s a top selection of Colmar accommodation, based on web ratings and locations.

La Maison des Têtes

If you’re in search of the ultimate luxurious experience when it comes to Colmar, then you need to look no further than the five-star hotel in the historic city centre. Not only is this über luxe hotel complete with amenities such as a pool, air-conditioning, and WiFi, but it’s also full of historic quirks that make this a unique place to stay. Check rates and availability here.

Hôtel Le Colombier Suites

Well-reviewed and situated close to many of the best Colmar attractions, Le Colombier is a four-star accommodation offering the likes of air-conditioning, room service, and Wi-Fi. Set against the backdrop of a building dating all the way back to the 1500s, other amenities include a sauna and lounge area. Check rates and availability here.

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