COLMAR & THE WINE ROUTE
Colmar and the Alsatian Wine Route is a fairytale blend of medieval charm and natural beauty. It combines Colmar’s enchanting canals and half-timbered houses with the picturesque vineyards of the surrounding countryside.
This region is the heart of Alsace, known for its unique Franco-German culture. It is a land of iconic sights, from the bustling city to the serene beauty of the vine-covered hills.
Most Popular Attractions
Colmar City Core:
- Old Town (Vieille Ville): A beautifully preserved medieval quarter with cobblestone streets and colorful half-timbered houses.
- Little Venice (La Petite Venise): The most picturesque part of the city, with a canal lined by colorful houses and charming restaurants.
- Koïfhus (Ancienne Douane): The Old Customs House, a significant medieval building with a distinctive tiled roof.
- Maison des Têtes: A famous Renaissance building adorned with over 100 grotesque faces.
- Maison Pfister: A striking 16th-century house with a wooden gallery and beautiful murals.
- St. Martin’s Church (Collégiale Saint-Martin): A grand Gothic church dominating the main square.
- Musée Unterlinden: A museum housed in a former Dominican convent, home to the famous Isenheim Altarpiece.
- Musée Bartholdi: The birthplace of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty.
- Marché Couvert (Covered Market): A bustling market hall where you can find local produce and delicacies.
- Dominican Church (Église des Dominicains): A beautiful church known for its stained-glass windows and Martin Schongauer’s masterpiece, “Virgin of the Rose Bush.”
- Quai de la Poissonnerie: A charming street in Little Venice, once the fishermen’s quarter.
- St. Matthew’s Protestant Church: A historic church with a beautiful interior and impressive organ.
- Sainte-Catherine de Colmar Chapel: A historic chapel with a simple yet elegant interior.
Colmar Parks & Modern Sites:
- Parc du Champ de Mars: A central park with a historic carousel and a large fountain.
- Statue of Liberty: A 12-meter replica of the famous statue, located at the northern entrance to the city.
- Musée du Jouet (Toy Museum): A museum showcasing a collection of toys from different eras.
- Train Touristique de Colmar: A small tourist train offering a guided tour of the city’s main sights.
- Piscine des Remparts: A historic outdoor swimming pool with a beautiful setting.
- Musée Hansi: A museum dedicated to the famous Alsatian illustrator and caricaturist, Jean-Jacques Waltz.
- Parc des Sports: A large public park offering various sports facilities.
- Colmar Expo: A modern exhibition center hosting various events and fairs.
The Alsatian Wine Route
- Riquewihr: A famous and beautiful medieval village surrounded by vineyards, known for its well-preserved walls and towers.
- Eguisheim: A picturesque village with concentric streets and a central castle, often cited as one of France’s most beautiful villages.
- Kaysersberg: A charming village with a ruined castle and a fortified bridge, a birthplace of Albert Schweitzer.
- Ribeauvillé: A medieval town with three ruined castles overlooking the vineyards, famous for its wine festivals.
- Obernai: A stunning town with a well-preserved historic center, a beautiful market square, and a Renaissance town hall.
- Hunawihr: A quiet, charming village known for its fortified church and the Stork and Otter Reintroduction Centre.
- Bergheim: A small, fortified village with a complete set of medieval ramparts.
- Turckheim: A wine-producing village with a unique tradition of a night watchman who still makes his rounds.
- Ammerschwihr: A village known for its Grand Cru wine, Kaefferkopf, and its historic houses.
- Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle: A magnificent medieval fortress perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of the entire Alsace Plain.
- Kintzheim: A village with a castle that houses the “Volerie des Aigles,” a famous bird of prey show.
- Mont Sainte-Odile: A pilgrimage site with a convent and beautiful views over the Rhine Plain.
- Sélestat: A historic town known for its famous Humanist Library and the Church of Sainte-Foy.
- The Route des Vins d’Alsace: The entire wine route itself is an attraction, a scenic drive that meanders through vineyards and charming villages.
- Winery Tours and Tastings: Visit a local “caveau” (winery) in any of the villages to taste famous Alsatian wines like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris.
- Sentier Viticole des Grands Crus: Hiking trails that lead through the vineyards, offering beautiful views and information about winemaking.
- La Piste Cyclable du Vignoble: A dedicated cycling path that runs parallel to the wine route, perfect for exploring the region on two wheels.
Activities & Experiences
Take a Wine Tasting Tour: Explore the renowned vineyards and historic cellars along the Alsatian Wine Route. Many wineries offer tastings of local varietals like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris.
Wander through Colmar’s Old Town: Get lost in the charming, cobblestoned streets, admire the half-timbered houses, and discover hidden courtyards. Don’t miss the picturesque “Little Venice” (La Petite Venise) district.
Visit the Unterlinden Museum: Housed in a former Dominican convent, this museum is famous for its stunning Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald and its impressive collection of medieval and Renaissance art.
Cycle the Wine Route: Rent a bicycle and pedal through the scenic vineyards and charming villages. The route is well-marked and offers a fantastic way to experience the landscape at your own pace.
Explore the Castles: Discover the rich history of the region by visiting impressive medieval castles like the Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, which offers panoramic views of the entire plain of Alsace.
Take a Boat Trip on the Lauch River: Enjoy a relaxing punt boat tour through the “Little Venice” district in Colmar, seeing the colorful houses and canals from a different perspective.
Hike in the Vosges Mountains: Escape the towns and take on the hiking trails in the nearby Vosges Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the vineyards and valleys below.
Attend a Local Festival: Depending on the season, you might experience a wine festival (like the Foire aux Vins d’Alsace in Colmar), a Christmas market (in winter), or a traditional village celebration.
Learn to Bake an Alsatian Tart: Take a cooking class to master regional specialties like tarte flambée (flammekueche), a thin-crusted tart similar to a pizza, or kougelhopf, a distinctive Bundt-shaped cake.
Visit a Stork Reintroduction Center: See Alsace’s iconic white storks up close at centers like the Parc des Cigognes et Loutres in Hunawihr, which helps reintroduce these birds to the wild.
Go on a Local Food Tasting Tour: Sample regional products like foie gras, Munster cheese, gingerbread, and various cured meats at local markets and specialty shops.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Recommended: To fully explore the charming villages and vineyards along the Wine Route, a rental car is the most convenient option. It gives you the flexibility to stop wherever you like and discover hidden gems.
Public Transport: While a car is ideal for the countryside, Colmar itself is very walkable. The city also has a local bus network (Trace). For inter-city travel, the regional train (TER) connects Colmar to major towns along the route like Strasbourg, Mulhouse, and some smaller villages.
Bikes: Many towns offer bike rental services, and cycling is an excellent way to navigate the flat stretches of the Wine Route between villages. The route is well-signed for cyclists.
From the Airport: The nearest major airport is Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (EuroAirport BSL). You can take a shuttle bus to Saint-Louis train station and then a direct train to Colmar. Strasbourg (SXB) and Baden-Baden (FKB) airports are also options with train connections.
German-French Heritage: The region has a unique cultural identity, heavily influenced by both French and German traditions. You’ll hear both languages, see German-style half-timbered houses, and find a fusion of cuisines. Learning a few words in French will be greatly appreciated.
Dining Culture: Lunch is the main meal of the day, typically served between 12 PM and 2 PM. Dinner is often eaten earlier than in other parts of France, with restaurants opening around 7 PM.
The Christmas Markets: If visiting in winter, the Christmas markets are a major event. While beautiful, they can be very crowded, especially on weekends. Book your accommodation well in advance.
Wine Culture: Alsatian wines are primarily white and are traditionally bottled in tall, thin flutes known as “flûtes d’Alsace.” It’s customary to try different wines by the glass in local winstubs (wine taverns).
Hidden Gems:
- The Pfister House (Maison Pfister): While a well-known landmark, its intricate frescoes and unique architecture are worth seeking out in Colmar.
- The Villages of Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé: These are some of the most beautiful and well-preserved villages on the Wine Route. While popular, they are smaller and can feel less crowded than Colmar itself.
- The Koïfhus: This former customs house in Colmar’s old town is an impressive Gothic and Renaissance building. It’s a great spot to see local crafts and exhibitions.
- Marché Couvert (The Covered Market): Located in Colmar’s Little Venice, this market is a fantastic place to sample local produce, cheeses, and charcuterie. It’s a favorite among locals.
Language: While French is the official language, many older residents and those in the tourism industry may speak German or Alsatian, a German dialect. English is also widely spoken in tourist areas.
Top Restaurants
Wistub de la Petite Venise [$20-$35] – A traditional Alsatian restaurant located in the picturesque Petite Venise district, serving classic regional dishes in a cozy setting.
Au Koïfhus [$25-$40] – Located in the heart of Colmar, this traditional brasserie offers classic Alsatian fare with a good selection of local wines in a historic building.
La Stub [$20-$35] – A cozy and authentic “winstub” (wine tavern) in Colmar, known for its traditional regional dishes like choucroute and flammekueche.
Le Comptoir de Georges [$25-$40] – A small and intimate restaurant in Colmar with a focus on seasonal, local ingredients and traditional Alsatian cuisine.
Le Baïly [$25-$40] – A popular restaurant in Colmar, known for its hearty, traditional Alsatian cuisine and friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Restaurant Finkmatt [$20-$35] – A classic Alsatian restaurant in the town of Eguisheim, serving traditional dishes in a charming setting.
Le Caveau d’Eguisheim [$25-$40] – Located in the picturesque village of Eguisheim, this popular restaurant offers traditional Alsatian food and a wide selection of local wines.
Le Hêtre [$20-$35] – A popular spot in Kaysersberg known for its traditional Alsatian dishes and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Wistub Brenner [$25-$40] – A traditional “winstub” in the heart of Colmar, famous for its classic regional specialties and cozy, authentic feel.
L’Arpege [$20-$35] – A small and simple restaurant in Colmar, popular with locals for its traditional Alsatian fare and excellent value.
Le G’schirr [$25-$40] – A charming restaurant in Ribeauvillé that serves traditional Alsatian cuisine with a focus on local and seasonal products.
L’Oignon [$25-$40] – A classic restaurant in Colmar with a long history, serving traditional regional dishes in a historic building.
Caveau Morakopf [$25-$40] – Located in the beautiful town of Niedermorschwihr, this is a family-run restaurant with a focus on authentic Alsatian food and wine.
L’Auberge du Raisin [$25-$40] – A traditional Alsatian inn in Mittlewihr, known for its excellent regional cuisine and a beautiful terrace.
Wistub La Stub [$25-$40] – A popular and authentic “winstub” in Riquewihr, offering traditional Alsatian dishes in a rustic, friendly atmosphere.
Le Dolder [$30-$50] – A traditional restaurant located in a historic house in Ribeauvillé, serving classic Alsatian dishes and excellent local wines.
Le Caveau du Vigneron [$25-$40] – A cozy and authentic restaurant in Turckheim, known for its traditional dishes and a great selection of local wines.
Auberge au Ladhof [$25-$40] – A well-regarded traditional restaurant in Colmar, known for its hearty portions and classic Alsatian menu.
Restaurant La Forge [$35-$60] – A modern and elegant restaurant in Colmar that offers a refined take on traditional Alsatian cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Bistrot des Lavandières [$30-$50] – A modern bistro in Colmar with a creative menu that blends traditional French and Alsatian flavors.
Restaurant Côté Cour [$40-$70] – A restaurant with a beautiful courtyard in the heart of Colmar, offering a modern and refined menu with local touches.
L’Atelier du Peintre [$50-$80] – Located in a historic building in Colmar, this restaurant offers creative and contemporary cuisine, with a focus on seasonal products.
L’Epicurien [$30-$50] – A popular modern restaurant in Colmar known for its inventive dishes and a great selection of local wines.
Le Fer Rouge [$30-$50] – A contemporary bistro in Kaysersberg, offering creative dishes with a focus on high-quality ingredients.
Auberge du Pont d’Ill [$40-$70] – A renowned restaurant in Illhaeusern with a modern and creative menu, blending traditional flavors with innovative techniques.
Le Géranium [$35-$60] – A restaurant in the charming village of Orschwihr that offers a modern and creative menu with a strong focus on local products.
JY’s [$120-$200] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Colmar, offering an exceptional gastronomic experience with innovative and refined cuisine.
L’Auberge de l’Ill [$200-$350] – Located in Illhaeusern, this three-Michelin-starred restaurant is a legendary institution, known for its exquisite and artful cuisine.
La Table du Chef [$80-$150] – A refined restaurant in Colmar that offers a high-end gastronomic experience with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative dishes.
Le Jardin des Remparts [$70-$120] – Located in the charming town of Bergheim, this restaurant offers a refined dining experience with a focus on local produce and excellent wines.
Le Chambard [$100-$180] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Kaysersberg, offering a sophisticated and creative menu in a beautiful setting.
Marché Couvert Colmar [$15-$30] – Not a single restaurant, but a covered market in Colmar with several food stalls and small eateries, perfect for a casual lunch or a quick bite.
La Cocotte de Mathilde [$25-$40] – A cozy and charming restaurant in Colmar that specializes in traditional French cuisine served in individual cast-iron pots.
Le Potager [$30-$50] – A vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurant in Colmar that focuses on fresh, seasonal, and organic ingredients.
Au Vieux Porche [$20-$35] – A unique restaurant in the town of Turckheim, located in an old fortified gate, serving traditional regional dishes.
Le Restaurant L’Aigle [$25-$40] – A traditional restaurant in the charming village of Colmar-Bergheim, known for its unique atmosphere and classic Alsatian dishes.
Au Foyer du Pêcheur [$25-$40] – A popular restaurant in the town of Neuf-Brisach, located near the German border, known for its traditional Alsatian dishes.
Le Tire Bouchon [$25-$40] – A classic restaurant in the town of Obernai, with a great atmosphere and a focus on traditional Alsatian cuisine.
La Cloche [$25-$40] – A popular and lively restaurant in the town of Rouffach, known for its traditional Alsatian fare and friendly atmosphere.
Restaurant La Diligence [$25-$40] – A traditional restaurant in the town of Sélestat, known for its classic regional dishes and good value.
Auberge de la Pomme d’Or [$25-$40] – A cozy and authentic inn in the town of Murbach, serving traditional Alsatian food in a beautiful setting.
Le Clos des Seigneurs [$30-$50] – A restaurant in the town of Munster, known for its traditional regional cuisine, including the famous Munster cheese dishes.
Restaurant L’Ours de Riquewihr [$30-$50] – A popular restaurant in the town of Riquewihr, offering a mix of traditional and modern dishes with a focus on local ingredients.
Auberge du Schoenenbourg [$30-$50] – Located in a beautiful setting in the town of Riquewihr, this restaurant offers traditional Alsatian food and a great selection of local wines.
Auberge du Frankenbourg [$60-$90] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in the town of La Vancelle, offering creative and refined cuisine with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
L’Un des Sens: Located in the heart of Colmar’s old town, this refined wine and cocktail bar features a vaulted cellar atmosphere where expert mixologists craft seasonal drinks using local Alsatian spirits.
L’Épicurien: A chic and intimate spot in Colmar’s historic center, known for its creative “garden-to-glass” cocktails and a cozy terrace that overlooks the cobblestone streets.
Bar de l’Hôtel Maréchal: Set within a stunning 16th-century building in the “Little Venice” district of Colmar, this bar offers a romantic, old-world setting for a classic Negroni or a glass of Crémant.
Le Cercle: Situated within the James Hôtel in Colmar, this modern and sleek lounge focuses on premium spirits and artisanal cocktails in a quiet, upscale environment.
Blue Bird Cocktail Bar: A trendy, vibrant spot in Colmar’s city center that brings a touch of London’s Soho to Alsace with its neon lights and inventive, high-concept cocktail menu.
La Cour des Anges: Found in a hidden courtyard in Colmar, this atmospheric bar is famous for its warm service and a wide array of cocktails that blend traditional flavors with modern techniques.
Le 17: A stylish wine and cocktail bar in the picturesque village of Riquewihr along the Wine Route, offering a sophisticated pitstop for travelers looking for more than just a tasting room.
Bar L’Escale: Located in the heart of Kaysersberg, this welcoming venue offers a relaxed vibe and a great selection of long drinks, perfect after a day of exploring the vineyards.
Vino Note: Located near Colmar’s Unterlinden Museum, this spot bridges the gap between a wine bar and a cocktail lounge, specializing in cocktails made with local liqueurs and eaux-de-vie.
Les Incorruptibles: A 1920s-inspired bar in Colmar that leans into the speakeasy aesthetic, offering a “Prohibition-style” menu and a deep library of whiskies and rums.
Buddha Bar @ Hotel L’Esquisse: An upscale lounge in Colmar’s Champ de Mars park, offering fusion cocktails and a luxurious, Zen-inspired atmosphere with views of the greenery.
Au Brin de Paille: A rustic yet trendy bar in Ribeauvillé that serves excellent cocktails alongside local snacks, popular with the Wine Route’s younger crowd.
Le Village: A cozy, late-night bar in the center of Colmar known for its friendly bartenders and a massive menu of colorful shots and tropical cocktails.
Bar de la Maison des Têtes: Located in one of Colmar’s most famous historical monuments, this elegant bar provides a high-end setting for sophisticated aperitifs and signature cocktails.
Mems: A lively, modern bar in the center of Colmar that transitions from a relaxed afternoon terrace to a high-energy cocktail spot as the sun sets.
Le Grillen: A legendary cultural and clubbing venue in Colmar’s northern district, hosting eclectic DJ sets, live concerts, and themed electronic music nights.
Le Palace: Located on the outskirts of Colmar, this is one of the region’s largest nightclubs, featuring multiple rooms with different musical styles ranging from Top 40 to House.
L’Entrepôt: A popular club in the Colmar industrial zone known for its industrial-chic decor and a focus on techno and deep house music.
Mood Club: A stylish, contemporary nightclub in the Colmar area that attracts a fashion-forward crowd with its VIP tables and international DJ guest spots.
Le Best Of: Situated a short drive from the Wine Route in nearby Fessenheim, this club is a staple of the local nightlife, offering a mix of 80s, 90s, and contemporary hits.
L’X-Point: A high-energy dance club located in the Colmar vicinity that features impressive light shows and a playlist dominated by reggaeton and commercial pop.
Le Seven: Located in the nearby wine country, this club offers a more exclusive feel with a strict dress code and a focus on premium bottle service and dance music.
New York Club: A centrally located disco in Colmar that brings an urban vibe to the city, playing a mix of R&B, Hip-Hop, and French urban hits.
Le Phoenix: A vibrant nightclub on the edge of the Wine Route, popular for its themed foam parties and energetic atmosphere that keeps the dance floor full until dawn.
L’Acapulco: A long-standing club near the Wine Route villages known for its friendly atmosphere and a diverse music policy that caters to both locals and tourists.