Colmar
Bibala.fr suggests an idyllic walk through Colmar. It's a pedestrian route of a few kilometers, but not too difficult, with numerous possible or suggested stops. On foot, you can admire the facades of the half-timbered houses at your leisure. And often, only a few steps separate two important monuments.
It only takes 20 minutes to reach Colmar from our gîtes. Enjoy the morning and a good breakfast, and set off at 10 a.m....
Statue of Liberty
Drive by the Statue of Liberty, a replica in tribute to its creator, Auguste Bartholdi, a native of Colmar.
Champ de Mars Park
Park in the underground parking lot (paid) to begin your visit to Colmar. Stroll and admire this beautiful square where time seems to stand still... Students, professors, locals, and many passersby love to settle in and enjoy this haven of peace in the heart of Colmar. There are two statues installed by Auguste Bartholdi: General Rapp and Admiral Bruat, both illustrious soldiers under Napoleon I, natives of Colmar. This vast park is located between the prefecture and Colmar city center. A 1900s carousel and a children's park will delight youngsters.
Little Venice
It's unclear exactly where the name given to this picturesque part of the city comes from. But it won't be difficult to spot the allusions when you stop on the bridge overlooking the Lauch. It's hard to resist the charm and the urge to pose for a beautiful photo! Colmar High Court
Not a must-see, but a fun stop: in the small street to the right of the building (Rue de Augustins), you'll find an official replica of the Manneken Pis, donated by the city of Brussels on the occasion of the 4th anniversary of the liberation of Colmar. Amusing anecdote: during the inauguration ceremony, a mix-up occurred, and the Dutch national anthem was played instead.
The Koïfhus
Translated as "The Purchasing House," or the former customs house, is the oldest public building in Colmar (1480). This is where imported and exported goods were stored for taxation.
Lunch Break
Right next door, the Lazarus de Schwendi fountain, with the statue of the German-born diplomat, will point you in the right direction to the restaurant.
Pfister House
Not far from there is one of Colmar's emblematic houses: the Pfister House. This building, dating from 1537, owes its name to the family who restored it and occupied it in the 19th century.
Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin
Built between 1235 and 1365, the collegiate church is the largest Catholic building in Alsace after Strasbourg Cathedral.
Hansi Museum
Jean-Jacques Waltz, nicknamed Hansi, was an Alsatian illustrator who was quite active during World War II. This museum is a combined museum and shop. While the museum remains interesting, it is not absolutely essential. You can easily enter the store and breathe in the delicious aroma of gingerbread, and enjoy browsing the items in the colors of Alsace and "Uncle Hansi," to whom we also owe a few Colmar boutique signs... Don't forget to look up a little in Colmar!
House of Heads
Almost opposite the museum is the House of Heads, another emblem of Colmar. Now converted into a luxury hotel, the 1609 building owes its name to the 106 heads and masks that adorn the facade. The statue of the cooper at the top is by Auguste Bartholdi.
Unterlinden Museum
The Unterlinden Museum is a former Dominican convent founded in 1252. It houses works by Monet and Picasso, but it is especially famous for the Isenheim Altarpiece, a true masterpiece of Western art, dating from the 16th century. The museum, which welcomes more than 200,000 visitors each year, is a real highlight for a perfect end to your visit to Colmar. The Champ de Mars is just a few meters away!
Other points of interest:
Toy Museum, Bartholdi Museum, Dominican Church, Quai de la Poissonerie, Covered Market, Chocolate Museum.
A fun video in which Lorent Deutsch presents Colmar