This inconspicuous town, demonstrating amazing architectural beauty that reflects its centuries-old history, immerses its guests in past eras. Belonging to the province of Alsace, which is the stumbling block of France and Germany, it is famous as one of the most comfortable places in old Europe. A real open-air museum, like a fairytale settlement, welcomes tourists all year round. Picturesque Colmar (France), the sights of which reflect its diversity, does not at all look like a sleepy provincial town.
Perfect place to relax
The capital of the famous Alsatian wines is located on the banks of the Lauch River (La Lauch), in the flat part of the province. The winding narrow streets, bright facades of buildings, a large number of canals form an unusual style of the city that causes admiration. Incredibly harmonious Colmar with Renaissance buildings is considered the driest city in France, which contributes to the development of winemaking. Tourists note the ideal conditions for relaxation at any time of the year: a moderately warm climate and a small amount of rainfall.
Colmar (France), whose sights will appeal to even the most discerning travelers, delights in its special beauty untouched by modern civilization. Appearing at the beginning of the VIII century, it finally became part of the country in 1918. Voltaire also said about the city that he was "50 percent French and 50 percent German."
What to see?
What architectural masterpieces in the open do beautiful Colmar (France) hide? Sights created by human hands help you get to know the rich history of a town with a special atmosphere. Thus, the colorful neighborhoods of boaters and fishermen seem to carry a tourist several centuries ago.
Some of the pretty houses along the river were destroyed by fire during the terrible fire of 1706, but now the dwellings restored by the townspeople delight the visitors of the city with colorful facades.
Petite venise
In the south-east of Colmar is a romantic quarter, called "little Venice". Located along the banks of the Loch River, over which a large number of bridges are built, it is very reminiscent of the historical center of Bruges. The area in which the restored half-timbered (frame) houses, which appeared in the period from the 14th to the 18th centuries, are lined up in a row, is a real pride of the inhabitants of the city of Colmar (France).
Sights (reviews of tourists confirm this) make an unusual impression on vacationers who watch the floating French gondolas, and it seems to them that they suddenly ended up in Italy.
Maison des têtes
The most famous building of the city is the so-called Head House, erected at the beginning of the XVII century. Looking at the unusual structure, you can see a variety of human emotions. The fact is that the unique architectural monument got its nickname thanks to masks and sculptures of grimacing heads that adorn the local attraction.
Maison pfister
The hallmark of a hospitable settlement is the house of Pfister, built in the 16th century. The building made of stone and wood, bearing the name of one of its owners, delights vacationers who admire the facade decorated with ancient frescoes depicting the emperors of Germany and scenes from the Bible.
Inside the world-famous house with a long wooden gallery, a wine shop is opened where you can taste elite types of sparkling drink.
Collégiale saint-martin
The colorful Colmar (France), whose sights are becoming an object of admiration for the guests, is proud of the unforgettable example of Gothic architecture - the Catholic Church of St. Martin. The majestic religious monument, the exact date of its appearance is unknown, was often destroyed, but the inhabitants always restored the medieval temple. After the last restoration work, it looks simply amazing: the portals are decorated with sculptures, the roof is covered with colorful tiles, the tower, decorated with a sundial, is eye-catching.
The church is famous for its excellent acoustics, and it is no coincidence that annual music festivals are held in it.
Bartoldi House Museum
The many-faced city of Colmar in France is the birthplace of the famous architect and sculptor Bartholdy, who performed the Statue of Liberty in America. In the very center of the magnificent pearl of the country is the family nest of the creator, who created more than 35 famous monuments in different states. The house-museum contains his personal belongings, drafts and furniture.
Indoor City Market
One cannot help but visit Colmar and visit the city market, designed by the famous architect of the province. The covered structure, which traders used to get in boats before, receives visitors on all days except Monday and Sunday.
People come here not only for shopping, but also to talk on different topics, since the market is considered a favorite meeting place for citizens.
Colmar (France): reviews
Tourists who have visited the most comfortable corner of Europe admit that it is more like a museum than an ordinary city. It is best to walk on it, so as not to miss a single architectural monument. And even dwelling houses surrounded by greenery, whose balconies are decorated with flowers, attract the attention of vacationers, and any walk turns into a real adventure.
Tourists declare their love for the colorful city, where everything is saturated with the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Extremely attractive for guests Colmar (France), whose photo makes you want to visit a magical place again, is famous for its huge number of wine bars and cozy restaurants where gourmets can take their souls.
It is nice that every year the number of foreigners visiting a cozy corner with a unique look is growing.