Colmar looks plucked from an illustrated tale: canals ribbon through half-timbered houses, geraniums overflow from balconies, and church bells mark the hours in the old town. The city blossomed along medieval trade routes and later became a cradle of art—home to sculptor Auguste Bartholdi and the world-famous Isenheim Altarpiece at the Unterlinden Museum.

Set in the heart of the Alsace wine route, Colmar is surrounded by sloping vineyards and villages like Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, and Riquewihr. Expect crisp Riesling, spicy Gewürztraminer, and sparkling Crémant d’Alsace, paired with comforting Alsatian classics: tarte flambée, baeckeoffe, choucroute, and kougelhopf.

Practical notes: Colmar is walkable; trains and tours handle regional excursions. Book restaurants ahead—many close Sunday night or Monday. Winter brings storied Christmas markets; spring and fall mean grapevines, mild weather, and fewer crowds.

Colmar

Old Town highlights cluster around Little Venice (La Petite Venise), the Koïfhus (Old Customs House), Pfister House, Saint-Martin Collegiate Church, and the Covered Market (Marché Couvert). The streets glow with color at golden hour—bring a camera.

Top must-sees: the Unterlinden Museum (Isenheim Altarpiece), Bartholdi Museum, a flat-bottomed boat glide on the canals, and a quick hop to nearby villages on the Alsace wine route.

• Where to stay: For canals and postcard views, base in Little Venice. For easy station access, stay near Avenue de la République. Browse stays on VRBO or compare hotels on Hotels.com.
• Getting in: Fly into Basel–Mulhouse (EAP/BSL/MLH), Strasbourg (SXB), or Zurich (ZRH). Search flights to/from Europe on Omio (flights) or long-haul on Kiwi.com. From Paris, the TGV to Colmar via Strasbourg takes ~2h20–2h45 (typically $45–$100); book on Omio (trains).
• Regional transport: Strasbourg ↔ Colmar TER trains run ~30–40 minutes (€9–€18) via Omio (trains). Buses to villages appear on Omio (buses), but tours are easier and time-efficient.

Day 1: Arrival, Little Venice, and Old Town Flavors

Afternoon: Arrive and drop bags at your stay near Little Venice for canal-side ambience. Orient yourself with a slow loop: Quai de la Poissonnerie → Little Venice footbridges → Koïfhus courtyard → Pfister House. For a refined pick-me-up, settle into Pâtisserie Gilg (grand-cru entremets, seasonal tarts) or Atelier de Yann (modern pastries, excellent coffee).

Evening: Dine Alsatian-style at Wistub Brenner in Little Venice—order the onion tart, duck with seasonal garnish, and a glass of local Pinot Noir. For flame-kissed comfort, try La Soï, a snug spot devoted to tarte flambée (classic, munster cheese, or forestière). Nightcap at L’Un des Sens wine bar (by-the-glass flights spotlighting Riesling and Gewürz) or Le Cercle des Arômes for an impressive whisky list and rare eaux-de-vie.

Day 2: Masterpieces, Market Lunch, and Storybook Villages

Morning: Beat the crowds at the Unterlinden Museum to linger with Grünewald’s Isenheim Altarpiece; the former convent’s cloisters and modern wing are a delight for architecture lovers. Walk via Rue des Marchands to the Saint-Martin Collegiate Church, then browse regional treats (kougelhopf, cheeses, charcuterie) at the Covered Market.

Lunch: Grab a table at Le Comptoir de Georges inside the Covered Market—seafood platters, octopus salad, and a glass of Crémant with canal views. Alternatively, snack from market stalls: munster cheese, pretzels, and fruit tarts make a perfect picnic by the Lauch river.

Afternoon: Explore the region’s prettiest hamlets on this small-group excursion: Alsace villages half day tour from Colmar (typically ~4.5–5 hours). Expect a guided stroll in Kaysersberg (cobbles, ruined castle), free time in Riquewihr (walled lanes and flowered balconies), and Eguisheim’s concentric streets—a real-life spiral of half-timbered bliss.

It’s the most efficient way to see multiple villages without driving or deciphering bus timetables, and your guide shares wine-culture context as you go.

Evening: Treat yourself to modern Alsatian cuisine at L’Atelier du Peintre (Michelin-starred tasting menus showcasing local terroir) or book JY’s for a refined canal-side dinner. If you prefer a casual bistro, Bistrot des Lavandières serves market-driven plates and regional wines. Stroll the illuminated canals before turning in.

Day 3: Wine Route Tastings, Chocolate Craft, and Farewell Canals

Morning: Dive into Alsace’s signature styles on a small-group tasting experience: Alsace Half Day Wine Tour from Colmar. You’ll visit two wineries along the Route des Vins to compare terroirs and techniques—think steely Riesling, lychee-noted Gewürztraminer, and elegant Crémant d’Alsace.

Guides tailor stops to the season and group interests; bring a tote for any bottles you fall in love with.

Afternoon: Back in town, linger over lunch on the canal at Le Comptoir de Georges (oysters and Crémant are a classic) or try Bistrot des Lavandières for tarte flambée, roestis, and seasonal salads. Then craft sweets at the hands-on Colmar: Chocolate creation workshop at Choco-Story—a playful way to end your trip with edible souvenirs.

Seasonal alternative (late Nov–Dec): Swap the workshop for the festive Christmas Market Tour from Colmar, which strings together illuminated villages and mulled-wine tastings.

Evening: For a final flourish, book a table at JY’s for creative tasting menus celebrating Alsace’s bounty, or keep it classic at Wistub Brenner with baeckeoffe and a last glass of Riesling. Toast your getaway along the Quai de la Poissonnerie as the canal lights flicker on.

Where to Stay (and How to Book)

• Little Venice stays: Romantic canal views; expect half-timbered facades and evening strolls right outside your door. Browse VRBO for apartments with balconies, or filter boutique hotels on Hotels.com.
• Old Town core: Steps from the Unterlinden and shopping streets; quiet lanes after dark. Ideal for museum lovers and cafe hoppers.
• Near the station: Great for early trains and day trips; modern properties and quick access to buses and tours.

Getting There & Around

• Flights: Check fares to Basel–Mulhouse, Strasbourg, or Zurich on Omio (flights). Coming from outside Europe? Compare routes on Kiwi.com.
• Trains: Paris Gare de l’Est → Colmar via Strasbourg in ~2h20–2h45 (often $45–$100). Regional TERs link Strasbourg in ~30–40 minutes. Book on Omio (trains).
• Buses: Useful for some village hops; times vary—compare with Omio (buses). For efficiency, the curated tours above cover more ground.
• On foot/bike: Old Town is compact. Canal paths and traffic-calmed lanes make strolling the best way to soak in the timbered facades.

Good to Know

• Many restaurants close Sun night/Mon; make reservations for top tables (JY’s, L’Atelier du Peintre).
• Tip: Buy a small insulated wine shipper if you plan to fly with bottles.
• Markets: The Covered Market is lively mornings; arrive early for the best pastries and produce.

In three days, you’ll savor Colmar’s canal-laced beauty, taste the region in its wines and winestubs, and step through villages that look unchanged for centuries. This itinerary balances art, food, and gentle wanderings—leaving just enough unscripted time to let Alsace work its quiet magic.