Things To Do in Colmar
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Colmar Attractions
Colmar is rich with historic houses, many half-timbered and, in summer, accented with geranium-draped window boxes. One of the most beautiful is Maison Pfister, 11 rue des Marchands, at the corner of rue Mercière, a 1537 building with wooden balconies. It's pictured above. On the ground floor is a wine boutique, Vinium. If you take pont St-Pierre over the Lauch River, you’ll have an excellent view of Old Colmar and can explore Petite Venise, which is filled with canals.
- Religious Site
Eglise St-Martin
In the heart of Old Colmar is this Gothic collegiate church, considered the most beautiful in town. Begun in 1235, it was built on the site of former Carolingian and Romanesque churches. Its 70m (230 ft.) steeple beacons visitors from afar, whereas its spacious interior features…Around Town
- Religious Site
Eglise des Dominicains
This deconsecrated church contains one of Colmar’s most famous treasures: Martin Schongauer’s painting Virgin of the Rosebush, or Vierge au buisson de rose (1473), all gold, red, and white, with fluttering birds. It’s found in the choir and well worth the small entrance fee.Around Town - Museum
Musée Bartholdi
American history buffs and New Yorkers should stop here to pay homage to Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, sculptor of the Statue of Liberty. This museum is located in the house where he was born in 1834. The display focuses on his masterpieces, especially the Statue of Liberty, with scale…Around Town - Museum
Musée d’Unterlinden (Under the Linden Trees)
This former Dominican convent (1232), the chief seat of Rhenish mysticism in the 14th and 15th centuries, became a museum around 1850, and it’s been a treasure house of the art and history of Alsace ever since. An ambitious project to double the exhibition space to show off its…Around Town
Colmar Shopping
The best shopping area is the old town of Colmar, particularly rue de Clefs, Grand’ Rue, rue des Têtes, and rue des Marchands.
Antiques — Antiques abound in Colmar and shops that deserve particular attention include Geismar Dany, 32 rue des Marchands (tel. 03-89-23-30-41), specializing in antique painted furniture, and Antiquités Guy Caffard, 56 rue des Marchands (www.caffard-antiquites.com; tel. 03-89-41-31-78), with its mishmash of furniture, postcards, books, toys, bibelots, and the like. Also worth noting are Lire & Chiner, 36 rue des Marchands ( tel. 03-89-24-16-78), and Antiquité Arcana, 13 pl. l’Ancienne Douane (tel. 03-89-41-59-81).
Wineries — Colmar being at the heart of the wine-producing Rhine country, local wine is one of the best purchases you can make here. If you don’t have time to visit the vineyards along the Wine Road, stop in Vinium in la Maison Pfister, 11 rue des Marchands (www.vinum.pro; tel. 03-89-41-33-61), owned by a major Alsace winegrower, Muré, proprietor of the vineyard Clos St-Landelin. A vast selection of wines and liqueurs from the region and the rest of France is stocked at the Cave du Musée, 11 rue Kléber (tel. 03-89-23-85-29).
You can drive to one of the most historic vineyards in Alsace-Lorraine. Domaines Schlumberger (www.domaines-schlumberger.com; tel. 03-89-74-27-00) lies 26km (16 miles) southwest of Colmar in Guebwiller. The cellars, established by the Schlumberger family in 1810, are an unusual combination of early-19th-century brickwork and modern stainless steel. These grapes become such famous wines as Rieslings, Gewürztraminers, muscats, sylvaners, and pinots (blanc, gris, and noir). Views of the vineyards and tasting rooms are available without an appointment but guided tours must be reserved in advance over the phone. The vineyard is open to tastings Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 6pm. They may also have reduced hours in August and the end of December (varies each year—call for details).
Colmar Nightlife
For a mellow atmosphere, try the piano bar Le Louisiana Club, 3A rue Berthe-Molly (tel. 03-89-24-94-18), where you can groove to authentic blues and jazz.
