One of my dearest friends studied up on fairy tale towns. There just so happened to be one in the Alsace region, that was a direct train ride (3.5 hours via TGV) away…. the town of Colmar.
When you hop off the train you’ll only be about a 5 minute walk from the city center, walking by their Champs de Mars into the most precious town you will have ever seen… not to mention one of the most flowered towns in France. All of the buildings are old and lovely with wooden beams and beautifully colored exteriors and shutters. As it was the springtime, the tables on the terraces were packed in the main square with people all around enjoying cold beverages and snacks. For lunch we stopped by Le Stam on the Place des Dominicains. Here we enjoyed flammeküche, which is one of my favorite things, with munster cheese as it is the local specialty (note: we had already eaten a pretzel as we sort of had to, we were in Alsace!).
After lunch we popped over by the canal, and what is referred to as “La Petite Venise”. This is the part of town where you will be drooling the most: tiny streets with the most brightly colored adorable houses (originally painted for the profession of the man of the house back in the day, a boat driver informed us!). We took a short boat ride (6 euros!) up and down the canal right next to the restaurant La Krutenau, where you can buy your tickets. It’s amazing to see the little houses that back up to the canal, with flowers everywhere and not to mention some true silence. Keep your eyes peeled for the different types of shutters! Back in the day, the heart in the shutter meant that there was a young lady to be married in the house. Cute, nay?
We also stumbled upon the Musée Bartholdi, the sculptor who did the Statue of Liberty… a Colmar local! Then we were craving sweets! We stumbled upon the precious Jadis + Gourmande and had a little dessert and coffee before heading back to the train bound for Paris.
All in all, it made for a wonderful day trip alsacien, and I’m stoked to stay overnight sometime in one of their adorable bed and breakfasts.
wow, so beautiful! i’m going to France in September and I’m so looking forward to all the wonderful little towns and sights! thanks for sharing- will definitely take note of this sweet town :)
Yes! I highly suggest it!!! I can’t wait to go back.
Superb!
France is just one big fairytale if you ask me. I’ve always wondered what the hearts meant. I’ve seen them before but had no idea. Thanks for uncovering the mystery! Great photos by the way.
Thank you very much for popping in!
France is indeed a big fairytale…
I think this just maybe my favourite post of all time from your blog. This place looks unreal. Sigh!
This makes me miss it so badly!!
these are beyond beautiful.
love your photos! I’m headed to France in about a week… and will be in Colmar for two nights. So excited to see more of Colmar’s beauty!
Oh my goodness! You’ll love it! If you find any must sees please let me know for next time I head over there :-)
Comme c’est joli!
Je ne suis jamais allée à Colmar même si je me suis rendue plusieurs fois à Starsbourg.
J’aimerais vraiment y aller une année pour voir le marché de Noël :)
Oui apparemment c’est formidable! Il va falloir que j’y retourne en hiver :)
Great photos and description of this lovely town ! I’ve spent lots of holidays in this region, when I was a child and always love going back to visit.
You’ll definitely have to come back for the Christmas markets but make sure you visit the markets in small villages around Strasbourg to avoid some of the tourist crowds.