Little Venice

The Little Venice, in Colmar

The Little Venice is the most picturesque district of Colmar, where colourful half-timbered houses are reflected in the canals. The Colmar audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this enchanting site, one of the most charming of Alsace.

The district of canals and flowered houses

The Little Venice is the emblematic district of Colmar, one of the finest and most romantic of Alsace. This nickname comes from its canals, formed by the river Lauch, which wind between the houses and vaguely recall the Italian town. Formerly inhabited by market gardeners, fishermen and tanners, the district has kept its charm of the past, with its superb brightly coloured half-timbered houses, its flowered façades, its bridges and its green banks that are reflected in the water. You can discover it on foot along the quays, or by flat-bottomed boat, along the water. An emblematic image of Alsace, the Little Venice is the picturesque jewel of Colmar and a must-see stop.

What to see

You admire the canals of the Lauch winding between the superb colourful and flowered half-timbered houses, the bridges and the green banks that are reflected in the water, which you discover on foot or by flat-bottomed boat. The Little Venice is the picturesque jewel of Colmar. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Little Venice lies in the heart of the old town of Colmar, along the Lauch, reachable on foot. The quays are public spaces freely accessible; boat trips are offered according to their own hours and conditions, which vary with the season. The district is particularly beautiful and flowered in the fine season.

Why is this district called the Little Venice in Colmar?

Because of its canals, formed by the river Lauch, which wind between the colourful and flowered half-timbered houses and vaguely recall the Italian town; the district was inhabited by market gardeners, fishermen and tanners.

Where is the Little Venice?

In the heart of the old town of Colmar, along the Lauch, in France.