Hello steemians!
It’s time for another travel and even if I slept only three hours last night, I am full of energy and enthusiasm when I am writing my trademark posts.
Colmar is one of the most stunning and colourful places I ever visited. It has a small population, of only 67.000 inhabitants and it’s located in the east of France. I first heard about it on a social media network where I saw a couple of pictures and I knew back then I have to conquer this place.
So when I saw sales at a low-cost airline company I didn’t hesitate and convinced two other friends to join me in this adventure. Alsacia was a long time ago part of Germany and it’s really close located to Germany and Switzerland. We landed in Basel (here is my travel post about it and we stayed there for three days, but on the second day we took the train to this wonderful location. Two birds with one stone, as they say.
We took the train from Basel Train Station, it’s better to buy tickets online because at the counter it’s a bit more expensive. The ride took around 50 minutes and a ticket was around 18 euro, so buy online form here
From the train station to the city centre we walked approximately 15 minutes, but of course, you can take a bus/taxi, if you want.
If you've been following me in the last months, I am sure you already know I am a big fan of carousels... but this one was closed.
If you are a big fan as I am, of the Disney masterpiece Beauty and the Best (one of my favorite animated movies) you will feel there like you are in the movie, it’s definitely the most beautiful place I ever saw in France, so colorful with fancy shops and cobblestone streets. My first impression was like I returned through a time machine several centuries ago.
Moreover, the city has a small part that reminded me of my Venice. There also some cafes in this old part. If you aren’t on a budget, you can dine at JY's, a Michelin Star restaurant located near Little Venice.
Another activity you can make, it’s choosing a boat tour. I, unfortunately, didn’t do that.
As I previously mentioned, Colmar was once part of Germany so this is why you can see mixed architecture.
The market is definitely a vibrant place .
This fountain is the creation of Frédéric Bartholdi (he also created the Statue of Liberty and has his own museum here in Colmar).
St. Martin church is a gothic church built in the 13 th century. It’s an impressive building, don’t you agree?
Maison Pfister was built in the 16th century, is one of the oldest and famous houses in Colmar.
Smallest house in town..
A flower among other flowers LOL
Top Festivals in Colmar:
- If you visit during March or April, you should know there are two fairs, especially for Easter and are located in the most beautiful place of the city.
- If you are visiting during May-September you should know that on Tuesday night there are dance and music shows specific for this region.
- In July is The International Music Festival, one of the best from Europe.
- If you are visiting during December, you will discover their best Christmas Fairs, from where you can buy gifts for your loved ones. It’s on my bucket list to visit on winter time, I want to rediscover their decorated houses and streets. There are five Christmas fairs and you can find it spreaded on the city centre.
Why to visit this city
- Architecture
- Fairy vibe
- Wine
- Food
How to get to the city
- Train
- Bus
Accommodation
It’s cheaper to live outside the city centre, but if you look in advance you may get lucky. In my opinion, it doesn’t have the same charm to live outskirts the city centre.
When it’s the best time to visit
- As I looked at the weather all year round, I can tell you anytime you wish between April to October.
- I visited on early October and it was funny and warm.
Public Transportation
You should definitely walk. This charming place can be discovered only by foot!
Did you know that?
It was founded in the 9th century by a monk named Notker Balbulus.
Prices for the main attractions
- The museum of natural history and ethnography of Colmar - 5 €
- The Toy Museum - 5.5 €
- The Unterlinden Museum - 13 €
- A tour with le petite train 10 €
Day trips from Colmar
There are some options but it depends only on what you want to see. I would recommend you the following:
- Eguisheim
- Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr are located only approximately 15km away from Colmar.
- Strasbourg
- Basel
For more, please check up this site
Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.-Gustav Flaubert
I strongly recommend you to spend at least one night here, the town is magical and so romantic.It is a perfect destination for couples and lovers of medieval towns, don’t you agree? Sorry, I forgot to mention the wine lovers, itself considered the capital of Alsatian wine. So wine not visit it?
I hope you enjoyed my post and also feel free to share your opinion regarding this place or ask anything you want, I would really love to hear what you think.
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