When travelers think of France, they picture the Eiffel Tower, lavender fields, or the Riviera. However hidden in the Alsace region lies Colmar — a town so enchanting it feels like a fairytale come to life.Colorful half-timbered houses, flower-lined canals, and cozy cafés make Colmar one of Europe’s most beautiful hidden gems — yet many tourists skip it entirely. This is why Colmar, France is The Hidden Gem You Need To Visit
🌸 Step Into a Fairytale
Walking through Colmar’s Old Town is like stepping back in time. The pastel-colored houses reflect on quiet canals, bicycles roll over cobblestones, and the air smells of freshly baked Flammkuchen. Moreover, every corner of the old town seems to reveal something new — a charming boutique, a local artist painting by the river, or a hidden courtyard filled with flowers
Top things to do in Colmar:
Explore La Petite Venise (Little Venice)
Colmar’s most iconic and picturesque quarter is known as La Petite Venise. Here, colorful half-timbered houses line the canals, their reflections shimmering in the calm water.
Take a city tour — it’s one of the most peaceful ways to see the Old Town from a new perspective. In addition, mornings and evenings are the best times for photos, when the light turns golden and the crowds are gone.
Visit the Covered Market (Marché Couvert)
Located right next to the canals, Colmar’s Covered Market is a paradise for food lovers. You’ll find fresh local produce, Alsatian cheeses, pastries, and handmade jams.
Grab a seat at one of the small cafés inside and try tarte flambée (a thin flatbread topped with cheese and bacon) or kougelhopf (a local sweet cake). It’s the perfect spot for an authentic, affordable lunch.
💡 Tip: Buy local wine or spices here — they make great souvenirs and support small producers.
Discover the Unterlinden Museum
Housed in a beautifully restored 13th-century convent, the Unterlinden Museum is one of France’s most underrated art museums. Its highlight is the famous Isenheim Altarpiece, but you’ll also find medieval sculptures, Renaissance paintings, and even contemporary art.
Additionally, the peaceful courtyard garden is a hidden oasis — a great place to take a quiet break away from the busy streets.
Cycle or Drive Along the Alsace Wine Route
Colmar is the heart of the Alsace Wine Route, one of Europe’s most scenic drives. Rent a bike or car and explore charming nearby villages like Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Turckheim.
Each village has its own wine cellars, cobblestone lanes, and centuries-old traditions. Stop for a tasting of Riesling or Gewürztraminer at a small family winery — many of them are open year-round and welcome visitors without reservations.
Experience Colmar at Night
When the sun sets, Colmar transforms. The canals and houses are beautifully lit, casting reflections that make the town feel even more magical.
Stroll along the riverbanks, enjoy dinner in a candle-lit restaurant, and listen to local musicians playing soft jazz or traditional Alsatian tunes.
If you visit in winter, you’re in for a treat — Colmar’s Christmas Market is one of the most atmospheric in Europe, yet far less crowded than Strasbourg’s.
💫 Why Colmar Is France’s Most Magical Hidden Gem
Colmar isn’t about crowded landmarks — it’s about slowing down, savoring local life, and finding beauty in simplicity.
It’s the kind of place that turns casual travelers into lifelong explorers.
So next time you plan a trip to France, skip the crowds — and discover Colmar, the hidden gem that captures the heart of every traveler who finds it.