Miyazaki Hayao Didn’t Lie to Me! The Most Magical Roofs Beyond Howl’s Moving Castle Are Here

Miyazaki Hayao Didn’t Lie to Me! The Most Magical Roofs Beyond Howl’s Moving Castle Are Here 1. Introduction: A Sweet Invitation to Fall into a Fairy Tale When colorful half-timbered houses wind along the streets like a rainbow, and canals filled with flower petals slowly flow beneath candy-colored eaves, Colmar, France — the town Miyazaki Hayao wrote into "Howl’s Moving Castle" — awaits you in its most healing form, ready for you to open the most touching chapter in a fairy tale book. Here, every step feels like walking inside an anime scene, and every snap is a stunning, dreamlike photo perfect for sharing with friends. 2. Basic Travel Information (a) Address Located in the Alsace region of eastern France, close to the borders of Germany and Switzerland, Colmar boasts a prime location with a blend of French and German cultural features. (b) Transportation 1. By Air: Fly first to Paris, then transfer to Strasbourg Airport, which is about 60 kilometers from Colmar. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to the town. 2. By Train (Recommended) ◦ Depart from Paris Gare de l’Est and take the high-speed train to Strasbourg station, which takes only 1.5 hours — efficient and convenient. ◦ From Strasbourg station, transfer to a local train to Colmar station, a 30-minute ride during which you can enjoy endless vineyards and beautiful scenery. 3. Local Transportation: The town is small, and the core area is pedestrian-only. Strolling on the cobblestone streets lets you fully soak in the fairy tale atmosphere. You can also rent a bicycle or take a mini sightseeing train to easily explore the sights. 3. Must-Visit Attractions (a) “Little Venice” Canal District 1. Highlights: Ride colorful boats along the canals, flanked by charming fairy-tale houses. The boatmen narrate the history of century-old buildings along the way. Willow trees sway by the banks, and geraniums bloom like waterfalls of flowers — every photo is a breathtaking scene. 2. How to Enjoy ◦ The dock is located at the old town’s Fishermen’s Wharf; look for the iconic green-roofed wooden pavilion to find the boarding point. ◦ Photo Spots: When the boat passes the “Tailor’s House,” the pink slanted roof reflected in the canal is a perfect shot; stopping at the bridgehead lets you capture the full reflection of houses on the water. 3. Tips: Around 8 a.m., there are fewer tourists, and the water is as calm as a mirror, ideal for pure reflections. After 4 p.m., the sunset casts a soft, dreamy glow on the buildings, perfect for atmospheric photos. (b) Pfister House & Rue des Tanneurs (Tanners’ Street) 1. Highlights: Pfister House is the oldest half-timbered house in Colmar, built in 1577. Its honey-colored walls feature geometric wooden patterns, and the carved balcony is adorned with abundant flowers, exuding vintage charm. 2. How to Enjoy ◦ Located at the corner of Rue des Tanneurs, it’s easy to find. ◦ Hidden Easter Eggs: Look closely at the corners of the house to spot cute angel reliefs and sun emblems symbolizing good fortune. ◦ Nearby Exploration: Rue des Tanneurs resembles a street built from LEGO blocks, with shops selling hand-painted ceramics, cuckoo clocks, and other unique souvenirs — perfect for leisurely shopping. (c) St. Martin’s Church 1. Highlights: Built from pink sandstone, climbing to the top offers panoramic views of Colmar. Inside, the stained glass windows cast jewel-like light spots when sunlight shines through, creating a romantic and sacred atmosphere. The climb costs only 2 euros. 2. Tips: The church’s interior stairs are narrow, and there is usually a queue to climb. For safety reasons, children under 10 are not recommended to climb. Also, every Sunday morning, an open-air market is held in the church square, selling fresh cheeses and sweet-tart raspberry jam — worth a visit. (d) Toy Museum & Bartholdi Statue 1. Highlights: The Toy Museum, located at 32 Rue des Marchands, displays thousands of antique dolls, tin trains, and vintage toys full of childhood charm. It is also the former home of Colmar’s famous native son, Bartholdi, the designer of the Statue of Liberty, making it highly commemorative. 2. How to Enjoy: After visiting the museum, don’t forget to check out the secret garden in the backyard, where a miniature Statue of Liberty model is hidden — a must-see photo spot. 4. Recommended Local Foods 1. Flammekueche (Tarte Flambée): A thin, crispy crust topped with rich sour cream, bacon, or onions, offering a flavorful experience akin to Alsace’s version of pizza. Recommended to try at the Old Fireplace Restaurant, located at 6 Quai de la Poissonnerie, for authentic taste. 2. Sauerkraut Stew: Slow-cooked with German sausages, smoked pork, and sauerkraut, the meat is tender, and the sauerkraut refreshingly balances the richness. Paired with local white wine, the flavor is even better. 3. Kugelhopf Cake: Shaped like a crown, soft in texture with a rich buttery aroma and sweet-tart raisins inside. Paired with a cup of coffee, it’s a perfect afternoon tea choice. Most bakeries on town corners sell it. 4. Riesling Wine: Known as the “King of White Wines” in Alsace, it has a refreshing taste with fruity notes. Wine shops line the Rue des Vins, and some offer tastings before purchase. 5. Accommodation Options (a) Recommended Types 1. Canal-side Guesthouses: Open your window to see flower boats passing by — stunning views. For example, the “Boatman’s House” apartment has a small kitchen, ideal for families who want to cook simple meals. 2. Historic Half-Timbered Hotels: Such as the “St. Martin Courtyard” hotel, converted from a century-old house, retaining vintage charm. The courtyard is paved with bluestone, offering a quiet and comfortable environment to immerse yourself in the town’s history. (b) Location Tips It’s best to choose accommodation within the Old Town (Vieux Colmar). From here, you can walk to the main attractions in 5 minutes, saving travel time and making sightseeing more convenient. 6. Practical Tips 1. Avoiding Pitfalls: The “daily set menu” at restaurants is usually more cost-effective than ordering à la carte. Try to avoid restaurants in crowded squares, as prices tend to be higher and flavors less authentic. 2. Best Seasons: April to May when spring flowers bloom and the town is surrounded by seas of flowers, fresh and romantic; September to October when grapes ripen, offering grape-picking fun; Christmas season is beautifully decorated and festive but very crowded, so plan ahead. 3. Language: English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, so communication is generally easy. For safety, have a translation app ready on your phone. 4. Dress Suggestions: The cobblestone streets are uneven, so wear comfortable flat shoes. Temperatures vary between morning and evening, so bring a light jacket to avoid catching a chill. 5. Souvenir Recommendations: Hand-painted ceramic storks are Colmar’s mascot, cute and regionally distinctive. Christmas tree ornaments are available year-round, finely crafted and perfect as gifts. 6. Magical Experience: Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, the Saint George Square hosts a local market selling homemade honey, raspberry jam, and other specialties. It’s a great way to experience local life and find fresh treasures. The beauty of Colmar lies in every detail — the golden edges the sunset paints on half-timbered houses, the crispy aroma of Flammekueche, the boatman’s melodious folk songs, and the satisfied smile when biting into sauerkraut stew. Here, there are no unreachable fairy tales, only happiness within reach. Take this guide, pack Colmar’s rainbow and breeze into your bag, and embark on an unforgettable fairy tale journey!