Colmar is one those aesthetic places that once you set eyes on it, you simply won’t be happy until you visit. That was certainly the case with me. When I got there this June, it didn’t disappoint either. I instantly fell in love with its style. It is postcard perfect, and above all it is this which has encouraged me to write a blog based on my photos of Colmar. Some places need words to show their beauty and intrigue. Colmar most certainly doesn’t. Truthfully wilting it down to 50 photos was the biggest challenge. I’m not blowing my own trumpet, Colmars architects deserve all the credit. It is their artistic talent I celebrate today and not mine.
Colmar is located in the east of France, in the region of Alsace. It borders Germany, and was in fact part of Germany for some time in the aftermath of the Franco- Prussian wars. The end of World War I saw it annexed again, and after a brief uprising settling to its present day status as part of France. This was a struggle that dated from the earlier stages of Alsace, and this history is important in understanding the architectural evolution of this fine city.
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My top 50 Photos of Colmar
It’s not that all roads in Colmar lead to Le Petite Venise (or little Venice), it’s just that most visitors paths lead there first. Therefore it’s a good place for me to start! For more on the charms of this area you can in addition check out the local Colmar website.
Little Venice
A tour of little Venice is best began at Boulevard St Pierre, and its quaint little bridge. It overlooks the start of the area, and also the Promenade En Barque, which is the perfect place to take a leisurely boat ride. The flowers and the boats completely add to the romance of the location. I’m sure some men have dropped to their knee right here.
Little Venice is best known by the view on Rue Turenne, and it’s the first formal introduction to those multi coloured timber houses. If you are looking for an insta-popular photo, then this is the place. We fell into that trap too, as soon as 45000 people moved out of the way. Follow the streets and the La Lauch river to the Marche Couvert (the covered market), for even more idyllic river shots.
Colmar has an embarrassment of rich architecture and none more so than along the Lauch.
We couldn’t resist the urge to see Colmar from the water, and the boat ride through the town was a relaxing way to soak up its sights. The gondolier shares a little history en-route, but it’s mostly just for pleasure. The buildings reflecting on the water in the evening were a marvel to witness.
Back streets of Colmar
As with any city I advise to leave the centre, and therefore discover the true heart of any location. Colmars side streets are peaceful and above all are an ideal way to see local life. It’s here too you will get to see the many varied houses which make up the city. In other words, the real reason why you came to Colmar.
Colmar’s Houses
The Alsatian architecture is distinctive, it’s timber framed houses with clay roof tiles and wooden window shutters, contrasts against its colourful flower pots. The mix is brought into harmony by the colours that the timber frames are painted. The style is predominantly Germanic. This is a collection of my favourites.
Other notable beauty in Colmar
Colmar is more than just a collection of pretty streets and finely built houses. Beneath the surface a cultural heartbeat is prevalent. But that’s a side of Colmar I describe in my blog, the Top Cultural Things to do in Colmar. I’ll finish this one on photos of Colmar therefore, with an introduction to some of the sculptures, churches and fine buildings that show the other side of Colmar.
And so the sun sets on this article showcasing Colmar in photos. Above all, I hope by now you’ve seen enough of Colmar to include it in your next visit to France.
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22 Responses
Another entertaining post and another pretty little village with an interesting history to add to the bucket list! I fear I’ll soon need a bigger bucket.
As I’ve been saying I now need a bucket book. List is way to small. Colmar is totally fascinating, the whole area is just so unique. Thanks for reading
This place looks incredible, it’s as though the theme is running through the whole village and it looks absolutely fantastic – such a picturesque place for sure!
The whole town is like this. I guess that was the style at the time, most date back 400 odd years. It was the inspiration for Beauty and the Beast apparently.
Oh wow 😱 I think you can definitely see that now you’ve said! X
You’ve convinced me that I need to go here!
Delighted to hear it. You will love it b
I CANNOT DEAL WITH THIS! Every single photo is amazing! I’ve only really seen photos with the water, but it looks like every building is beautiful no matter what. And you can even do a river cruise!!!!! :O I just can’t. I HAVE to go haha.
It’s a win win isn’t it. It literally has everything you could hope for. We felt right at home there, such a perfect place to stroll around. And eat. And drink. Literally everything. So when are you going
Definitely a beautiful spot. Thanks for sharing. Allan
Cheers Allan.
I AM CONVINCED!
Woohoo. It’s not bad is it. One more for the bucket list Cynthia.
Really useful post John, looking forward to our trip in November even more now!
That’s great Jim. It’s quite the little place. I’m sure the Xmas markets are going up be brilliant.
Your photography skills are on another level John – absolutely love looking at them! Great post!
Thanks Ciara. I do like to throw a photo blog together every so often. Especially when I get a good return on my photography like in Colmar.
I didn’t need convincing as we loved Colmar. However, your photography is fantastic so wanted to look at your photos and dream about being back there. A wonderful post to read and look at John.
i long to visit Colmar. France has the most charming towns. We enjoyed Strasbourg and cant believe we didnt get to Colmar. so little time sometimes. But this is definitely on our list esp. after reading this and seeing the stunning pics!!
It’s a real beauty. Alsace would suit slow travel. A little time in each village, drinking wine.
Your pictures are beautiful! I love the Germanic half-timber houses and how they decorated their shutters with hearts and butterflies. When I was a kid, I spent time in Strasbourg (field trip), but as an adult, I think Colmar is more to my liking.