Day trip from Paris to Colmar: 14 best things to do

With its half-timbered houses, beautiful canals, and vibrant colors, Colmar looks like a city straight out of a fairytale. It's one of France's most charming destinations and an easy day trip from Paris. You can easily catch a train from Gare de l’Est which will get you to Colmar in under 2 hours 30 minutes. Whether you choose to explore this city with a guided tour or completely on your own, here are some of the best things to do on a day trip from Paris to Colmar.

1. Wander through Little Venice

This charming quarter is one of Colmar's absolute must-see on a visit to the city. Little Venice, or La Petite Venise, offers a picturesque view of the colorful half-timbered houses the city is famous for. It's located along the Lauch River, which definitely adds to its beauty.

Did you know?

During the Middle Ages, tanners, winemakers, and butchers lived in this neighborhood, and that's where the houses' colors originated. The color of a house indicated the owner’s profession: A blue house would be home to a fisherman; white, a baker; a gardener’s house was green; and a yellow building would be home to a cheesemonger.

Location and opening times

14 Quai de la Poissonnerie, 68000 Colmar, France.

2. Pfister House

Constructed by the wealthy hatter Ludwig Schurer in 1537, Pfister House (Maison Pfister) is one of Colmar's most beautiful and iconic houses. It was named after the family who restored and lived in this house from 1841 to 1892, and today you'll find a wine store on its ground floor.

Did you know?

With its Alsatian Renaissance architectural style, Pfister House sure stands out among the half-timbered houses that dominate the city.

Location and opening times

15 Pl. de la Cathédrale, 68000 Colmar, France. Open daily from 10 AM - 6 PM.

3. St Martin's Church

St Martin's Collegiate Church is the largest church in Colmar and was constructed between 1235 and 1365. This Gothic church is located in the city's old town and is dedicated to Saint Martin, the patron saint of Colmar. You'll find a beautifully decorated altar inside together with a sculpture of the last supper and other stunning ornaments.

Did you know?

Over the years, this church has been restored several times. The most recent restorations took place in the 1980s, and that's when the foundations of a church dating back to the year 1000 AD were found on the site.

Address and opening times

18 Pl. de la Cathédrale, 68000 Colmar, France. Tuesday - Friday: 8 AM - 6 PM, Saturday: 8 AM - 7PM, Sunday: 10 AM - 7 PM. Monday: Closed.

4. House of Heads

The House of Heads (Maison des Têtes) was named after the 106 somewhat eerie-looking faces and masks that decorate its facade. It's a unique piece of architecture that was built for the shopkeeper Anton Burger in 1609.

Did you know?

While the Renaissance-style House of Heads used to be a mansion, it now serves as a luxury hotel and restaurant. It's one of the most famous places in the city and cannot be missed on a day trip to Colmar from Paris. 

Address and opening times

19 rue des Têtes, 68000 Colmar.

5. Schwendi Fountain

This fountain is decorated with a statue of the Austrian military commander Lazarus von Schwendi. Not only is the Schwendi Fountain itself worth visiting, it's also situated on a picturesque, cobblestone square surrounded by Colmar's signature buildings.

Did you know?

According to the story, Schwendi first brought the Pinot Gris wine grape from Hungary to the French Alsace region, which explains why his statue is holding a bundle of vines in its right hand.

Location and opening times

12 Pl. de l'Ancienne Douane, 68000 Colmar, France.

6. Maison Adolph

Maison Adolph is believed to be one of the oldest houses in Colmar. It was built around 1350 and named after the Adolph family, who removed the 14th-century Gothic picture windows at the end of the 19th century.

Did you know?

You'll also find a well which is decorated with a lion's head right next to Maison Adolph. This well dates back to 1592 and was initially located in the nearby Rue des Marchands. Don't forget to check it out on your Colmar day trip. 

Address and opening times

16 Pl. de la Cathédrale, 68000 Colmar, France. Open daily 10 AM - 6 PM.

7. Discover Colmar through its museums

Colmar is home to some pretty cool museums, so make sure to visit one or two to learn more about the area’s history and culture. One of Colmar's most popular is the Unterlinden Museum, featuring an impressive collection of ancient art. Kids will love the Toy Museum and Choco-Story. The Bartholdi Museum is a space is entirely dedicated to presenting the artist's work.

Did you know?

The Choco-Story Experience offers a chocolate-making workshop—a must for chocolate lovers! If you've always wanted to create your own chocolates with the help of a master chocolatier, then this is the activity for you.

8. Koïfhus

Another beautiful building that should not be missed on a day trip to Colmar from Paris is Koïfhus. This beautiful structure was built in the 15th century as an old customs house. It was here that imported and exported goods would be taxed.

Did you know?

Through the years, Koïfhus also served as a theater, a bank, and a school. Today, you'll find a restaurant and temporary exhibitions inside the building.

Location and opening times

Koïfhus, Grand Rue, 68000 Colmar, France. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner.

9. Mercado cubierto de Colmar

Located near Little Venice, Colmar's covered market is a great place to get a taste of everyday life in the town. You'll find delicious Alsatian food, including fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, cheeses, wine, and much more here.

Did you know?

The market was built in 1865 and locals have been selling and buying groceries here ever since.

Address and opening times

13 Rue des Écoles, 68000 Colmar, France. Open daily except Monday. Tuesday - Wednesday and Thursday: 8 AM - 6 PM, Friday: 8 AM - 7 PM, Saturday: 8 AM - 5 PM, Sunday: 10 AM - 2 PM.

10. Take a Colmar city tour

Tours of Colmar let you get to know the city more intimately, and is the ideal activity on a day trip from Paris. Whether a walking tour, biking, or even on a segway, a guided tour will let you know a bit more about the history of Colmar and its residents over the years. You'll explore Colmar's different neighborhoods and highlights, as well as the beautiful surrounding forests.

Address and opening times

Tour starting times and starting points vary.

If your day trip to Colmar happens fall in late November or December, a visit to the city's world-famous Christmas market is a must. The market runs for six weeks every year while the streets of Colmar will be beautifully adorned with all kinds of pretty Christmas decorations. 

Did you know?

Here you will find plenty of stalls selling local delicacies, festive ornaments, and more. It's the perfect place to soak up the Christmas atmosphere, drink some Glühwein (mulled wine), and shop for Christmas gifts.

Address and opening times

Pl. des 6 Montagnes Noires, 68000 Colmar, France.

12. Taste Alsatian favorites

With many restaurants, Colmar is one of the best places to savor Alsatian food and indulge with some of the region's best dishes. Some must-try Alsatian dishes are Choucroute garnie (dressed sauerkraut), Baeckeoffe (an Alsatian casserole), and Tarte flambée (a creamy tart).

Did you know?

Being so close to the German border, the Alsace region has been part of both Germany and France during its history. This can be seen in the region's unique cuisine, which contains elements of both countries.

13. Try Alsace wine and visit its vineyards

Alsace is famous for its delicious white wines, which are influenced by Germany and Austria. The region most notably produces Riesling and the highly aromatic Gewürztraminer wines. The area around Colmar is dotted with gorgeous vineyards that make a perfect day or half-day trip, depending on how much time you have on your excursion from Paris. Pair a wine tasting with dinner and a stay in exceptional surroundings.

Did you know?

About 90% of the wine produced is white, and only about 25% is exported overseas. Most Alsace wine is transported to Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, and Denmark.

14. Beyond Colmar

Colmar is surrounded by fairytale villages like Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Hunawihr. These are located along the Alsace Wine Route, and are some of the most beautiful towns in France. With their colorful half-timbered houses, charming cobblestone streets, and picturesque little shops, these villages will charm and amaze you.

Did you know?

Disney fans will want to add Riquewihr to their destination wishlist—it’s the village that inspired the provincial town in “Beauty and the Beast.”

FAQs

Can you do a day trip from Paris to Colmar?

Yes, Colmar is a great day trip from Paris. The journey takes around 2 hours 20 minutes from Gare de l'Est which leaves a lot of time for exploration. Central Colmar is also compact enough to see it all in a few hours. 

Is Colmar good for a day trip?

Yes, Colmar is perfect for a day trip as the city is small enough to enjoy a packed agenda. Pick up some meats and cheese at the local market, admire 600-year-old buildings, and enjoy a peaceful stroll along the River Lauch. If you’re visiting Colmar from Paris with kids, then you have to check out the Choco-Story Experience!

How far is Colmar from Paris by train?

The journey from Paris to Colmar takes just 2 hours 20 minutes by train from Gare de l'Est. Busses and car travel is also possible but this can take 5+ hours which isn’t suitable for a day trip.

Are there any other great day trips from Paris?

Paris is close to a number of fantastic historic towns and cities if you wish to get out of the City of Love and into the countryside for the day. Versailles is one of the most popular day trips from Paris, as it takes just 1 hour from Saint-Lazare and is home to the opulent Palace of Versailles. Other popular day trips include a visit to the incredible Mont Saint-Michel and the castles and vineyards of the Loire Valley.