Best Things to do in Colmar, France

21/07/2023

Visit Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg

If you have the time, it is well worth visiting the charming Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg. One of the best-preserved castles in Alsace, it is perched atop a rocky spur, half an hour’s drive north of town.

Overlooking the Upper Rhine Plain, the majestic medieval castle has stood in the same spot for more than 850 years. Rebuilt around the turn of the twentieth century by Kaiser Wilhelm II, all its ruddy red gates, walls and courtyards are very interesting to stroll around. There are also art and artifact-filled royal rooms and a gorgeous garden to explore.

Just as arresting as its architecture and location are its fabulous views over the Vosges Mountains. From its prominent 757-meter-high position, you can gaze out over all the tiny villages and vineyards far, far below.

21/07/2023

Christmas Market

Already a photographer’s dream, Colmar looks even more magical during its yearly Christmas Market that attracts people from all over France and further afield. From late November up to early January, this sees hundreds of cute chalets pack its historic squares and streets. Here you can sample festive culinary treats and shop for handmade arts, crafts and cheery Christmas decorations.

One of the oldest markets in Europe, it actually has six different sections to amble around, each with its own attractions and specialties. While one is devoted to Alsatian food and local products, another caters to kids. After seeing Santa Claus, you can always stop by others selling ceramics, clothes and glassware made in the region.

Wherever you go, you’ll see adorable wooden cabins all lit up in twinkling lights and everyone having a good time. With the city’s centuries-old buildings creating such a stunning backdrop, it really is one of the most memorable times of year to visit Colmar.

21/07/2023

Wooden Eagle 🦅

21/07/2023

19/07/2023

Musee Bartholdi

Speaking of the nineteenth-century sculptor, Musee Bartholdi has long been one of the Alsatian city’s main cultural institutes. Both his birthplace and childhood home, it now displays drawings, paintings, sketches and sculptures by the esteemed artist.

Located right next to Eglise Saint Martin and Maison Pfister, it was first opened to the public in 1922. As well as shining a light on his considerable talents, the historic house museum also features some of the family’s own furniture and personal belongings.

Of most interest however, are the preparatory models Bartholdi made of his most famous landmarks. These include an earlier version of the Lion of Belfort and an ear crafted for the Statue of Liberty. The old townhouse itself also boasts two stupendous seventh-century gates while the superb Statue des Grands Soutiens du Monde occupies the center of its courtyard

19/07/2023

London, United Kingdom 🇬🇧

📸: [instagram.com/mi.london]

17/07/2023

Statue of Liberty

A resin replica of the world-renowned original, this much smaller Statue of Liberty can be found just ten minutes’ drive north of town. Despite its sort of strange location in the middle of a roundabout on an industrial estate, it still looks impressive.

The reason it even exists here in the first place is because Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor of the one standing in New York, was born in Colmar. This replica of Lady Liberty is only a quarter of its size though, clocking in at twelve meters in height.

Unveiled in 2004 to commemorate the centennial of his passing, the famous figure with her arm and flame outstretched creates some outstanding photo opportunities. Although it is a bit out of the way, both guided tours and tourist buses sometimes pass the striking statue.

17/07/2023

Had the pleasure of performing at Henley Festival this year - what a time was had 💗 who is enjoying “Ambitions”? Might be a little acoustic version coming soon…👀

https://antifragilemusic.ffm.to/ambitions

17/07/2023

15/07/2023

Maison des Tetes

Just behind it is the appropriately named Maison des Tetes or ‘House of Heads’. Adorned with over a hundred small, stone busts and faces, its facade makes for some fantastic photos.

Exhibiting some gorgeous German Renaissance architecture, the old house and all its heads date to 1608. It was originally erected for the wealthy merchant Anton Burger who became Colmar’s mayor around that time. Decorating its asymmetrical facade are 106 very expressive faces and tiny figures. A commanding statue of a cooper – the city’s symbol – also adorns its ornate gabled roof.