Filled with pastel coloured houses with steep roofs, cobbled streets, and stunning canals lined with flowers, the French town of Colmar feels like a fairytale come to life. Summer brings a special glow to this typical Alsace town, with sunlight reflecting off the water and vibrant shutters bathed in colour, creating a magical atmosphere straight out of a storybook. Travel YouTuber, Project Gaia described Colmar as the “most enchanting city in the world”, highlighting that although many people have yet to discover it, it is a destination that must not be missed. It has also ranked highly in lists of the “prettiest towns around the world.”
Often nicknamed “Little Venice”, Colmar features a charming canal district of the same name, said to have inspired Belle’s hometown in the iconic Beauty and the Beast film, thereby adding to its unmistakable fairytale charm. While destinations like Paris and the French Riviera draw the biggest summer crowds, Colmar offers a quieter, more relaxed experience.
Wandering through Colmar in the warmer months means fewer crowds, shorter queues, and more time to soak up its unique charm.
Visitors can enjoy boat rides along the tranquil canals, stroll through colourful old town streets, and dine al fresco at cafés serving Alsatian specialities. The town also hosts summer events, open-air concerts, and local markets.
Taste traditional dishes like choucroute, tarte flambée, and Munster cheese in cozy wine stubs, paired with Alsace’s famous Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Muscat wines.
Colmar is famous for its well-preserved old town and rich history spanning over a thousand years. Highlights include the charming Petite Venise district, the Unterlinden Museum, and historic buildings like Maison Pfister and Saint Martin’s Church.
According to official figures published by the French government agency, INSEE on 17 December 2024, tourism in Alsace saw a noticeable dip last summer. The region recorded 4.7% fewer overnight stays during the summer of 2024 compared to its record breaking year in 2023.
Specifically, the Bas-Rhin department saw a decline of 4.3%, and the Haut-Rhin where Colmar is located dropped by 5.2%.
Despite these figures, Colmar continues to attract around 3.5 million tourists every year, according to the town website.
However, the majority visit during the festive period, with 1.5 million arriving specifically for the town’s famous Christmas markets which makes summer a great time to visit, with fewer tourists and more space to enjoy everything the town has to offer.
One TripAdvisor wrote about the “Little Venice” district of the town: “Great place to visit. I think during summer it should be even better.”
Another person said: “Little Venice was such a delight! It is such a charming area with beautiful cafes and streets to explore. We did a gondola ride down the canal and it was such a highlight!”