People who have visited the ancient town often say, Colmar is the "most beautiful town in the world" and I have to agree it is exceptionally charming with its half-timbered buildings, medieval stone cathedrals, colourfully overflowing flower planters, and softly reflecting canals. In fact, it has also often been said that it is the most Alsatian town in Alsace.
Colmar is the capital of central Alsace, situated near Germany and Switzerland between the Vosges and the Rhine rivers, and the towns of Strasbourg and Mulhouse. It was founded in the 9th century, and was granted the status of a free imperial city by Emperor Frederick II in 1226.
Although Colmar was French for most of its modern history (as was all of Alsace and also Lorraine), its population used to be predominantly German, and Alsace changed nationalities many times in the course of history between France and Germany.
This French-German blend gives the town a unique and very interesting mix of identity which shows in its architecture, culture and food and since I love both French and German food and wine, this worked out perfectly for me. In fact, the local wine should not be missed. It is delicious! The town is situated along the Alsatian Wine Route and considers itself to be the "capital of Alsatian wine". And the beer's great too!
Colmar is the capital of central Alsace, situated near Germany and Switzerland between the Vosges and the Rhine rivers, and the towns of Strasbourg and Mulhouse. It was founded in the 9th century, and was granted the status of a free imperial city by Emperor Frederick II in 1226.
Although Colmar was French for most of its modern history (as was all of Alsace and also Lorraine), its population used to be predominantly German, and Alsace changed nationalities many times in the course of history between France and Germany.
This French-German blend gives the town a unique and very interesting mix of identity which shows in its architecture, culture and food and since I love both French and German food and wine, this worked out perfectly for me. In fact, the local wine should not be missed. It is delicious! The town is situated along the Alsatian Wine Route and considers itself to be the "capital of Alsatian wine". And the beer's great too!
Part of Colmar’s appeal is that it is not directly on the cruise ship path, so you can enjoy visiting the small historic center of town without encountering boat-loads of day tourists. This alone made me a big fan of Colmar! The town has been so well preserved, that you can literally explore 1000 years of architecture and we took our time from early morning to late into the warm starlit evening, wandering the streets full shops, visiting museums, taking in the beautiful architecture and leisurely sitting in cafés.
We were also lucky to visit during a weekend when one of the local dance and music societies were putting on a performance of traditional songs and dancing which added a wonderful local cultural experience to our stay in Colmar.
Follow along through the photos below as we walk through the lovely historic center of Colmar.
We were also lucky to visit during a weekend when one of the local dance and music societies were putting on a performance of traditional songs and dancing which added a wonderful local cultural experience to our stay in Colmar.
Follow along through the photos below as we walk through the lovely historic center of Colmar.
RSS Feed