Advice

We'd like to take a moment to briefly introduce you to other points of interest that we weren't able to squeeze into our itinerary. To round off your visit to Colmar, head for the marina. It's just a twenty-minute walk from the historic center and it's perfect for a leisurely stroll along the banks of the canal. For a taste of history, head north to admire Colmar's Statue of Liberty. It's smaller than the one in New York, but it's well worth the detour. If you're staying in Colmar for a few days, a day trip to Strasbourg is a must. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this beautiful medieval city is home to an extraordinary cathedral and a wealth of architectural treasures. Plus, it's just 1 hour away by car or train! Several villages around Colmar are well worth a visit too. If you're staying in the area for a while, I'd advise you to hit the road and explore them all. You can start with Eguisheim, one of France's most beautiful villages, located just a few kilometers away from Colmar. While you're there, you can also head for the Three Castles of Eguisheim, the ruins of a stronghold dating back to the 11th century. The Hohlandsbourg Castle nearby is also worth a visit. It's listed as a Historical Monument and it's open to visitors, who can learn all about its rich history through a variety of activities and spectacles. Plus, it offers stunning panoramic views of Colmar and its surroundings. Wine lovers should venture south to vineyards of Guebwiller. Explore the terraced vineyards on foot, and indulge in wine tastings at renowned local wineries. If you're venturing north from Colmar, you should definitely visit Riquewihr, one of Alsace's best-known villages. With its charming, traditional half-timbered houses, overflowing with flowers, it's no wonder this village is ranked among the most beautiful in France. The beautiful village of Ribeauvillé is yet another must-see, with its beautiful historic center and colorful, flower-decorated houses. It's also the gateway to the Three Castles of Ribeauvillé: the Château d'Ulrich, the Château du Girsberg and the Château du Haut-Ribeaupierre. For a truly unforgettable experience, head for the majestic Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle, further north, about 35 minutes from Colmar. Located at an altitude of over 750 metres, this perfectly-preserved site transports you back to the Middle Ages and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Not far from the German border, you'll find the commune of Neuf-Brisach, a city fortified by Vauban in the 17th century. Its one-of-a-kind architecture earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008. If you continue in this direction, you'll soon cross the border into Germany and find yourself in the beautiful town of Freiburg im Breisgau. Only an hour's drive from Colmar, this lively medieval city at the gateway to the Black Forest is steeped in history. If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, you can visit the Ecomuseum of Alsace, France's largest open-air museum. They've created a traditional Alsatian village, where you can see dozens of buildings saved from ruin by a local association. And it's all staged to capture the traditional Alsatian way of life. And of course, no visit to Colmar would be complete without exploring the famous Alsace Wine Route. It will take you through picturesque villages, magnificent landscapes and some of the region's most famous wineries. Well, with all this, you’ve got plenty to enjoy if you feel like spending some time in the area.