[2025 Colmar Attraction] Travel Guide for Little Venice (Updated Apr)

#100WaysOfTravel #historicallandmarks #localguides Getting There Easily accessible by train from Strasbourg or Basel (just 30-45 minutes), Colmar is a picturesque town that feels worlds away. If driving, it’s around 1.5 hours from Zurich and has plenty of parking. Attractions Stroll through La Petite Venise with its canal-side houses or visit the Unterlinden Museum for art treasures. The medieval architecture, colorful facades, and charming streets make every corner Instagram-worthy. Hotels Stay at the elegant Hotel Le Maréchal in Petite Venise or opt for cozy, boutique options like James Boutique Hotel for modern comfort. Food & Restaurants Savor Alsatian flavors at Wistub de la Petite Venise for local specialties like tarte flambée and choucroute, or indulge in Michelin-starred dining at L’Atelier du Peintre. Shopping Wander the quaint streets for unique finds like Alsatian wines, local crafts, and gourmet goodies at shops like Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie. Colmar is the perfect blend of history, charm, and Alsatian warmth!

✨A French fairy tale town, it's like stepping into Howl's Moving Castle✨ 🪄When you see the town in this picture, do you feel a sense of déjà vu? If you are familiar with Hayao Miyazaki's work 'Howl's Moving Castle', then this scene will not be unfamiliar to you😉. Remember when Sophie was walking alone on the path, being teased by two soldiers, and Howl descended from the sky like a hero🕺, with blond hair and blue eyes, wearing a cloak, appearing beside Sophie. He took Sophie dancing in the air above the town, lightly stepping over the rooftops, overlooking the entire town, everything was dreamily beautiful💕. 👧The most impressive to me was the scene where they danced in the air🎈, those rows of pointed timber-framed houses, scattered in an orderly fashion, looking down from above, both romantic and spectacular🎆. And this scene is not a figment of Grandpa Miyazaki's imagination, its prototype is the town of Colmar on the Alsace Wine Route in France! Compare the pictures, isn't it almost identical😲! Those timber-framed houses are just like two peas in a pod! Here, it seems that you can see Howl carrying Sophie flying over the rooftops🕊️! 🏡Over the past millennium, the Alsace region has changed hands between France and Germany several times, its history is an epic of German-French contradictions and integration📚. Speaking of Alsace, does it feel familiar to you🤔? Let's read the text below together and see if it can evoke fragments of your memory📃: 'After the grammar lesson, we started the handwriting class📝. That day, Mr. Hamel gave us new copybooks, all with beautiful round script: 'France' 'Alsace' 'France' 'Alsace'. These copybooks hung on the iron rods of our desks, like many small national flags fluttering in the classroom🚩. Everyone was so focused, the classroom was unbelievably quiet🎵!' 'The Last Lesson' cast a melancholic and solemn hue over Alsace😢. But in fact, before the 17th century, the Alsace region belonged to the Holy Roman Empire (the predecessor of Germany), and people mainly spoke German📄. After the famous Thirty Years' War in Europe, Alsace came under French rule. And in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, France was defeated, and Alsace belonged to Prussia, until Germany was defeated in World War II, Alsace returned to the arms of France💪, and formed the current border between the two countries along the Rhine River🗺️. 📖If cities can also be mixed-race, then Colmar is undoubtedly a beautiful town with German-French mixed blood🌸. Carefully calculated, this place belonged to Germany for a longer time than it belonged to France. This also explains why Colmar's architectural style is full of Germanic charm🏰, those timber-framed houses and the magnificent Gothic churches with pointed spires all bear strong Germanic marks🎨, as well as many street names with German suffixes and the dialect mixed with German and French, all have a reasonable explanation🤝. ✨Colmar also has many attractions worth visiting🎡, such as the Little Venice area, where the waterways crisscross, and the colorful timber-framed houses are reflected in the water, picturesque🖼️; there is also the Unterlinden Museum, which displays the rich history and culture of the Alsace region📜; and the Saint Martin Church, whose towering spires and exquisite carvings are awe-inspiring👏. Come to Colmar and experience the unique charm of this fairy tale town💖!

At the heart of the Alsace Wine Route, Colmar is very well located and while it may not be the capital of Alsace, it remains one of its top tourist destinations. The Colmar Little Venice district in the old town gathers colourful half-timbered houses neatly lining cobblestone streets and walkways, set along a peaceful canal. The name “Little Venice” generally refers to a particular spot in the center. It is an old and picturesque area where the canals that cross the city are concentrated. Here every house has a different color and visitors are immersed in a fairy-tale world. #bucketlistreboot

#外游 Colmar, France has fairy-tale European-style buildings, the windows and doors are all painted beautifully💕💕, the streets are full of delicious French desserts, and there are also Alsace wines🥂The most important thing is that every corner here is a good place to take pictures~ And I am particularly fond of La Petite Venise, where there are small bridges and flowing water, and the scenery is picturesque~ You can also see some small boats carrying tourists on the canal~ The wooden frame houses built on both sides of the river from the 14th to the 18th century are all painted in different colors~ It is so beautiful that people want to take pictures of every house📷 📍 La Petite Venise #法国旅行 #欧洲旅行 #外游

The « little Venice » is the name given to the course of the Lauch in Colmar. This name probably came from the original line of the houses on both sides of the river, which serves the southeast of the city. This district starts behind the Koïfhus, goes through the fishmonger's district and to the bridges Turenne and Saint-Pierre. It is therefore at the beginning of the Krutenau, whose etymology refers to places of market gardening on the outskirts of the towns. Originally inhabited by a rural community of wine-producers, market gardeners and boatmen, the Krutenau stretches out around the Turenne Street that the marshal took in 1674 for his triumphant entry in the city. Boat rides are possible there.

I like to go to small towns in France. Each town has its own characteristics. One of my favorite towns is Colmar. The most famous attraction in Colmar is "Little Venice". It is called Little Venice because there is also a canal here. The wooden buildings beside the canal are all colorful, blending the medieval architectural styles of Germany and France, showing the childlike fun! This town gives me a feeling a bit like Howl's Moving Castle, very dreamy😍😍😍 Although this town is in France, it is very convenient to come from Switzerland! #2024TravelReview

#holidayseason Step into a real-life snow globe in Colmar, France, where Christmas feels like a scene straight out of a storybook. Nestled in the heart of Alsace, this charming town comes alive during the holiday season with twinkling lights, festive markets, and half-timbered houses dressed in their Christmas best. 1. Enchanting Christmas Markets Colmar’s Christmas markets are among the most magical in Europe. Spread across six locations, each market has its own unique charm. From handcrafted ornaments to artisanal toys and local wines, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss tasting Alsatian delicacies like foie gras, Bredele cookies, and warming cups of vin chaud (mulled wine). 2. A Festive Wonderland of Lights Every corner of Colmar glows during the holidays, thanks to its award-winning light displays. The canals of Petite Venise shimmer with reflections of illuminated bridges and balconies, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The streets are draped with festive garlands, making every stroll feel magical. 3. Cultural and Family-Friendly Fun Christmas in Colmar is perfect for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Explore the town’s museums, attend live concerts, or enjoy performances by local choirs. Kids will love the carousel and special activities tailored just for them. Whether you’re browsing the markets, marveling at the decorations, or simply soaking in the festive cheer, Colmar captures the essence of Christmas. It’s a destination that promises wonder, warmth, and memories to cherish forever.

🎄I was drawn to Colmar by the show "Chinese Restaurant," and I never expected it to be the inspiration for Miyazaki's classic animation "Howl's Moving Castle." When the Christmas season arrives, I feel like I've stepped into a dream world where fairy tales and reality intertwine. 🎅Christmas Market Adventure🎅: Strolling through the streets of Colmar, every corner is filled with a strong festive atmosphere. It is known as one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. Holding a cup of hot mulled wine, I wander through the bustling crowd, admiring all kinds of handicrafts and exquisite Christmas ornaments, feeling the warmth and joy of the holiday season. 🚣‍♀️Water Fairy Tale in Little Venice🚣‍♀️: I step onto the waterways of Little Venice and leisurely sail on a small boat. The colorful houses on both sides of the river, illuminated by Christmas lights, look like they have jumped out of a fairy tale book, breathtakingly beautiful. The ticket price is only 5 euros, but remember to prepare cash! 🍽️Food Tour of "Chinese Restaurant" Filming Location🍽️: Bistrot des Lavandieres, this uniquely designed building was once the filming location for "Chinese Restaurant." Walking into the restaurant, I feel like I've traveled to the lively show scene, with some precious show photos hanging on the walls. Although it has now been converted into a Western restaurant, the unique atmosphere is still unforgettable. 🏰Exploring the Inspiration for "Howl's Moving Castle"🏰: Pfister House, this building is not only a landmark attraction in Colmar but also the inspiration for the mysterious castle in "Howl's Moving Castle." As an animation fan, how could I miss this place that rivals the town where Sophie lives? ☕Cozy Time at La Krutenau☕: Next to the boat ticket office, I found this atmospheric restaurant and coffee house - La Krutenau. While waiting for the boat, I ordered a cold drink and sat in the beautifully decorated store, enjoying the rare tranquility and comfort. The store is filled with various Christmas elements, with a unique aesthetic that makes people linger. 🎨History and Art Tour at Unterlinden Museum🎨: For friends who love history and art, Unterlinden Museum is definitely a place not to be missed. The museum's treasure - the Isenheim Altarpiece, is truly breathtaking. I specially selected a beautiful postcard as a souvenir to forever cherish this wonderful memory.

It was a winter trip to Colmar, France with family. Winter in Colmar is magical, and we loved every moment of exploring its cobblestone streets and picturesque canals adorned with twinkling lights. This Alsatian town transforms into a fairytale setting during the colder months, making it perfect for photography enthusiasts 📸 We started our journey in Colmar’s Old Town, where the medieval architecture glows warmly against the crisp winter air. Early morning light adds a golden touch to the half-timbered houses, so we recommend visiting just after sunrise for the soft light. Little Venice (La Petite Venise) is a must see. Its canals, bridges, and pastel-colored facades offer endless photo opportunities. The reflection of the buildings in the water is especially enchanting when captured at dawn or dusk. 📍Little Venice, Quai de la Poissonnerie, 68000 Colmar We visited Colmar in December to experience its famed Christmas markets🎄 , and they did not disappoint! The markets are spread across six locations, each with its charm. Place des Dominicains stood out for its stunning church backdrop, and Place Jeanne d’Arc offered traditional Alsatian decorations. Late afternoon or early evening is the best time to capture the markets when the lights create a cozy, festive ambiance. 📍Place des Dominicains, 68000 Colmar 📍Place Jeanne d’Arc, 68000 Colmar We also spent a delightful morning ⛅️ at the Unterlinden Museum, housed in a former convent, which offers a mix of historical and modern art. The courtyard is photogenic with its serene atmosphere, especially in soft morning light. We also strolled to the Pfister House, a 16th-century gem that combines medieval and Renaissance styles. Its intricate details are best captured in the late morning when the light highlights the facade. 📍Unterlinden Museum, 1 Rue des Unterlinden, 68000 Colmar 📍Pfister House, 11 Rue des Marchands, 68000 Colmar Just a short drive from Colmar, Eguisheim is a charming village surrounded by vineyards. We explored its circular streets and colorful houses that felt straight out of a storybook. The golden hour before sunset is the ideal time to photograph the town. It bathes the village in a warm glow that brings out the colors. Don’t miss the central square with its fountain and St. Peter and St. Paul Church. 📍Eguisheim Village Center, 68420 Eguisheim Colmar in winter left us spellbound, and we can’t recommend it enough for a dreamy getaway. #europetrip #vacation #getaway

#europetrip Different from the scenery of big cities in Europe, the small town of Colmar in France is more like a mini fairy tale world. This is the place where Sophie and Hal meet in Hayao Miyazaki's Moving Castle, and the hometown of Baltoldi, the author of the Statue of Liberty. The architectural soul of the whole town is a wooden house built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Cut the wood neatly and build it into a wooden frame. The connection of the wooden strips does not need a nail. After setting up the shelf, the mixture of soil and grass stem is filled into the wall. Finally, the wall is coated with bright colours such as pink, grass green, sky blue, jujube red, etc., which has both the beauty of German lines and the unique romantic colours of France. The brightly coloured wooden tendon house is like a palette next to the clear river. Because it is very watery, the southeast corner is called "Xiaowei" Nice. In Little Venice, people living here seem to have a natural preference for flowers. Every small bridge, every dock, and every family near the river bank are decorated with flowers. Locals use a flatboat similar to a Venetian gondola as a means of transportation, which is located next to the canal.

Colmar เมืองสวยเเห่งเเคว้น Alsace ของฝรั่งเศส เเนะนำเดินเล่นชม Highlight ของเมืองกันครับ #LittleVenice เป็นย่านที่น่ารักมากๆ มีบ้านสีสันสดใสสไตล์ Half-Timbered เรียงรายต่อๆ กัน มีร้านค้าน่ารักๆ และมีคลองเล็ก ที่สามารถไปนั่งเรือจิ๋วชมเมือง #Marche Couvert de Colmar จากย่าน Little Venice เดินกันต่อก็จะมีตลาด Indoor ชื่อ Couvert de Colmar ให้มาเดินเล่นเดินไปเพลินๆ มีทั้งอาหาร ขนมปัง ไวน์ ให้เลือกซื้อกัน #Koifhus เป็นอาคารโบราณสไตล์เรอเนสซองส์ ในอดีตเป็นอาคารศุลกากร #Place de la Cathedrale หรือจตุรัสที่ 16 เป็นจตุรัสประจำเมือง Colmar เต็มไปด้วยอาคารบ้านเรือน Timber Frame สไตล์ทิวดอร์ ล้อมรอบ #Colmar Old Town มีร้านอาหารน่านั่งมากมาย โดยเฉพาะร้าน Restaurant Pfeffel นักท่องเที่ยวจะชอบมาถ่ายรูป #Collegiale St Martin โบสถ์เก่าแก่ประจำเมือง สร้างด้วยศิลปะแบบโกธิค เคยถูกไฟไหม้ แต่ก็บูรณะกลับมาให้สวยเหมือนเดิม #colmar #france #francetrip

Colmar Town is located in the Alsace region of northeastern France, with a long history and unique culture. Its historical background is deeply influenced by both France and Germany, having changed hands multiple times, earning it the nickname 'Franco-German Hybrid'. As early as before the 17th century, Colmar belonged to the predecessor of Germany - the Holy Roman Empire. Subsequently, due to historical events such as the Thirty Years' War, Colmar came under French rule. During the Franco-Prussian War and the two World Wars, Colmar changed rulers multiple times until it finally belonged to France after World War II. Despite the ravages of war, most of Colmar's ancient monuments remain intact, especially the colorful half-timbered houses from the 16th century, which have become the iconic buildings of this city.

📍Petit Venice, Colmar 🚞Approximately 2.5 hours from Paris ➡️Paris East Station-Strasbourg-Colmar Petit Venice, a city in the Alsace region with beautiful canals and well-preserved medieval architecture You can enjoy the canals full of flowers in Petit Venice in spring and summer. It's also fun to see the wooden buildings and colorful houses! 💬The beautiful waterways of the Petit Venice area are sometimes said to be inhabited by fairies, and these fairies dance along the waterways every night and cast magic. When you just look at the scenery, it feels like it's real #SummerTravel

📍Petit Venice, Colmar 🚞Approximately 2.5 hours from Paris ➡️Paris East Station-Strasbourg-Colmar Petit Venice, a city in the Alsace region with beautiful canals and well-preserved medieval architecture You can enjoy the canals full of flowers in Petit Venice in spring and summer. It's also fun to see the wooden buildings and colorful houses! 💬The beautiful waterways of the Petit Venice area are sometimes said to be inhabited by fairies, and these fairies dance along the waterways every night and cast magic. When you just look at the scenery, it feels like it's real #SummerTravel

📍Petit Venice, Colmar 🚞Approximately 2.5 hours from Paris ➡️Paris East Station-Strasbourg-Colmar Petit Venice, a city in the Alsace region with beautiful canals and well-preserved medieval architecture You can enjoy the canals full of flowers in Petit Venice in spring and summer. It's also fun to see the wooden buildings and colorful houses! 💬The beautiful waterways of the Petit Venice area are sometimes said to be inhabited by fairies, and these fairies dance along the waterways every night and cast magic. When you just look at the scenery, it feels like it's real #SummerTravel

| A fairy tale of a small town at sunset. The soft twilight light spills over the buildings of Colmar, enveloping the entire town in the fairy tale of the setting sun. Strolling through the narrow streets, the unique romantic charm of the town of Colmar hits you in the face. After nightfall, Colmar becomes even more enchanting. The nights here are not silent, with music performances often taking place in the squares. Walking to the canal side, with small bridges over flowing water, the lights reflect warmly in the clear water, forming a warm reflection that flows into the fairy tale of the century. Photo-worthy spots: Bistrot des Lavandières, the filming location of 'A Bite of China 2'②Little Venice Not far from the Chinese restaurant, boasting beautiful riverside views, personally I find it more beautiful than Venice.3 Colmar Old Town The old town has many Alsatian-style 'half-timbered houses', all very photogenic! 4 Maison Pfister The inspiration for 'Howl's Moving Castle', and also the reason many people visit Colmar. 5 Fishmonger's Dock quai de la poissonnerie6 Brasserie des Tanneurs 7 Bartholdi Museum Musée Bartholdi ColmarLittleVenice

🏰 After watching 'Howl's Moving Castle' for the Nth time, I finally arrived in Colmar. This place even more realistically restores the fairy tale town than I imagined 🏠 Colmar is part of the Alsace region, with its typical half-timbered house structure. The neatly arranged houses undulate in height and vary in color, giving the entire city a playful and cute impression 🩵 The bustling pedestrian streets and the tranquil museums are overwhelming. Let me, Xiao Ou, share with you one by one the super cost-effective places and tips in Colmar 1️⃣ Bibliothèque des Dominicains An old monastery converted into a library and museum of ancient books, the second-floor library retains the exposed beams of the monastery roof. The monastery's inner courtyard on the first floor has preserved its century-old appearance, and I highly recommend that friends go there 2️⃣ Sightseeing Train 🚞 Runs every half hour, lasting 40 minutes. For 7.5 euros, you can connect all the scenic spots of the entire town in one go, and the headphones on the train will automatically introduce each spot when you arrive, remember to switch to channel 5 for Chinese! 3️⃣ Toy Museum 🤖 Dedicated to collecting toys from various eras, the diverse and vivid collection attracts toy enthusiasts. Highly recommended for families with children, there is also a voice-controlled train inside, which is very cute 4️⃣ Little Venice 🏞️ As the name suggests, it's very much like Venice! The row of colorful houses on both sides of the canal is very photogenic 5️⃣ Traditional Indoor Market 🥦 Includes a comprehensive market with more than twenty vendors offering vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and restaurants. To understand a city, go to its market 6️⃣ Chocolate Museum 🍫 Have you seen sculptures, cars, and clothes made of chocolate? The entire chocolate production process is also here. The ticket even includes two delicious chocolates! 🍽️ Delicious Recommendations ◽️Chez Hansi A traditional Alsatian restaurant, I recommend their choucroute royale, which is served with great ceremony. The German sauerkraut paired with smoked sausages and more, tastes amazing ◽️ Restaurant Pfeffel The restaurant is a beautiful standalone half-timbered house in the city center. Whether you have a drink here or a big knuckle, it's very Alsatian Ps. It is recommended to book the restaurant in advance

Located on the border of northeastern France and Germany, the small town of Colmar, known as the 'Little Venice of France', is where the male and female protagonists of Hayao Miyazaki's 'Howl's Moving Castle' first met, and where the 'Chinese Restaurant 2' program was filmed. With increasing exposure, Colmar has become a fairy tale town that travelers yearn for. Colmar retains the 16th-century architectural style - half-timbered houses, multifaceted roofs built of wood, unique design and color matching, each reflecting the owner's personal taste. The Lauch River, a tributary of the Ill River, quietly flows through Colmar, and the clear river water washes away the impetuous dust. 'Little Venice of France' is not an undeserved reputation. Small bridges and flowing water, quiet narrow lanes, allowing flat-bottomed boats to glide gently. The owners of Colmar are also very French romantic, where the eyes go, all are beautiful flowers embellished. 🌼 Colorful wooden houses, gurgling water, paddling boats, competing flowers... Isn't this a fairy tale world? Enter the fairy tale world, with the scenery like an oil painting, you don't even need to dress up carefully, the moment you press the shutter, you are the person jumping into the painting!

La Petite Venise in Colmar is a charming place. It's like a tiny Venice with colorful houses by the water. You can take a boat ride and enjoy the lovely views. The area has cozy restaurants where you can taste delicious French food. The picturesque tourist attractions is at the heart of Krutenau, the southern part of the historiccentre. We enjoyed roaming around and seeing all the beautiful scenery with a very fine cold weather. Colmar is very nice place to visit at Christmas time together with your family, friends and loved ones. 😍 #colmarfrance #littlevenicefrance

A place where only pretty things are gathered one by one, as if you were in a fairy tale The world was beautiful with colorful half-timbered architecture💓 📍Petit Venice It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by train from Paris, so if you have time, definitely go♥️♥️ #HotPlace #ParisTravel #EuropeTravel #Colmar #ParisSuburbs #Couples

#travel abroad #travel to France #travel to Europe The most popular 👏🏻 attraction in Colmar located in France 🇫🇷 is Little Venice! It is a canal that runs throughout Colma, looking at the colorful wooden houses 🎨 on both sides, it's like a landscape painting! So many people will queue up to take pictures 📸️ at this center! And it's like Venice 🇮🇹, you can take a boat ride 🚣🏻‍♀️ through the canal, and the boatman introduces you around and another angle 👀 to enjoy the scenery 🖼! There is also a very cute and eye-catching shop on both sides of Little Venice, the pavement is full of hearts ❤️❤️, so many couples will come to take pictures! 📍Petite Venise de Colmar

Tempat romantis terakhir yang bisa menjadi alternatif pilihan wisata Anda adalah Little Venice. Little Venice ini berlokasikan di Colmar. Jika Anda berkunjung ke tempat ini, Anda akan disambut dengan pemandangan bangunan dengan gaya arsitektur lama dan dinding dengan penuh warna yang beraneka ragam. Di tempat ini terdapat kanal yang menjadi daya tarik para wisatawan. Anda bisa menyewa perahu untuk menyusuri kanal sembari melihat keindahan bangunan di sekelilingnya. Ketika Anda menyusuri kanal, Anda akan serasa berada di Perancis pada masa lampau. Suasana yang indah dan romantis ini menjadi salah satu tempat yang wajib Anda kunjungi bersama pasangan.