Location and Historical Background
Geographic Setting and First Impressions
Colmar is located in northeastern France, in the Alsace region, between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine plain. Vineyards surround the city, while mountains protect it from harsh weather, giving Colmar one of the driest climates in France. Today, the city enchants visitors immediately with its preserved medieval core, canals, and calm, walkable scale.
Origins and Early History
Colmar was first mentioned in the 9th century and grew steadily as a market town and imperial free city within the Holy Roman Empire. A local legend claims the town prospered because merchants here preferred agreement over conflict – a habit that kept trade flowing and walls standing. By the Middle Ages, Colmar was already wealthy from wine, commerce, and craftsmanship.
The Three Greatest Blows to Colmar
1. The Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648)
Colmar suffered heavily during this devastating European conflict. Occupations, looting, famine, and disease struck repeatedly. The city changed hands several times, and much of the surrounding countryside was ruined. Population decline and economic hardship followed for decades.
2. Shifting National Borders (17th–20th Centuries)
Colmar repeatedly changed nationality between German and French rule. Annexed by France in 1679, then by Germany in 1871, returned to France in 1918, annexed again by Nazi Germany in 1940, and finally liberated in 1945 – each transition brought cultural pressure, language shifts, and political uncertainty.
3. World War II Fighting (1944–1945)
Colmar was one of the last French cities liberated in World War II. Heavy fighting during the Colmar Pocket campaign caused destruction, civilian suffering, and loss of life. Liberation came only in February 1945, leaving deep emotional scars.
The Golden Age of Colmar
Colmar’s golden age stretched from the late Middle Ages through the Renaissance. Trade, wine production, and civic autonomy allowed the city to invest in beautiful houses, churches, and public buildings. Unlike many cities, Colmar avoided large-scale modernization, preserving its historic fabric almost intact – a decision that would later define its global appeal.
Why Colmar Is Worth Visiting Today
Colmar today feels like a perfectly maintained secret. It offers one of the best-preserved historic centers in Europe, world-class Alsatian wine nearby, and a relaxed rhythm that rewards slow travel. Museums, markets, seasonal festivals, and countryside excursions combine seamlessly. Colmar is ideal for visitors who want charm without crowds and history without heaviness.
Tourist Information and Key Attractions
Practical Tourist Costs (Estimated Averages)
- Average lunch: 13–17 EUR
- Average dinner: 22–30 EUR
- Hotel (mid-range, double room): 90–140 EUR per night
- Beer (0.5 l): 6–7 EUR
- Coffee (espresso): 2–3 EUR
Most Interesting Areas of the City
The Old Town, Little Venice (Petite Venise), the wine quarter, and nearby Alsatian villages are the most attractive areas for visitors.
Three Must-See Attractions
Old Town of Colmar
A stunning collection of half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and historic squares. It feels curated, yet entirely authentic.
Petite Venise
A canal district with pastel houses reflected in the water. Small bridges and flower-filled balconies make it Colmar’s most photographed area.
Unterlinden Museum
Housed in a former convent, this museum is famous for the Isenheim Altarpiece. It adds serious artistic weight to Colmar’s fairy-tale appearance.
Final Summary
Colmar does not try to impress – it simply remains itself and lets time do the work. In a world that loves speed and scale, Colmar quietly proves that preservation is sometimes the most radical choice of all.