If you’re planning 1 day in Colmar, you’re in for a real treat. Nestled in the heart of Alsace, this fairytale town in France is famous for its colourful half-timbered houses, winding canals, and charming cobblestone streets. Even with just a single day, you can explore the best sights, wander through picturesque neighbourhoods, enjoy local cuisine, and soak up the town’s unique atmosphere. Colmar at Christmas has been a bucket list activity of mine for a long time, and I was so pleased to be able to visit!
Whether you’re visiting on a day trip from Strasbourg, Basel, or elsewhere in Alsace, this guide will help you make the most of your one day in Colmar, with a simple itinerary, must-see attractions, and tips to plan your perfect day.
We spent a day in Colmar as a day trip by train from Basel, Switzerland. This was our first trip without kids in 6 years! Even though our kids weren’t with us, they were still on my mind, and I will share some family-friendly Colmar with kids tips at the end of this post!
The Best Time to Visit Colmar
The best time to visit Colmar depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for, as this Alsace town is beautiful year-round but feels very different with each season.
Spring (April to June) is one of the loveliest times to spend 1 day in Colmar. The weather should be mild, flowers brighten the canals and squares, and the town feels lively without the peak-season crowds. This is a great time for sightseeing, photography, and relaxed wandering through the Old Town.
Likewise, autumn (September to October) is another excellent time to visit Colmar. The crowds are less than in the summer months, but the weather remains comfortable. It’s an ideal season for combining Colmar with nearby wine villages.
La Petite Venice in Colmar, decorated for Christmas
Winter (late November to December) is magical thanks to Colmar’s famous Christmas markets. The town transforms with festive lights, decorations, and seasonal stalls, making it one of the most atmospheric places in France at this time of year. However, it’s also very popular, so expect crowds—especially on weekends.
We actually visited Colmar the first weekend in January. Unfortunately, most of the Christmas markets had closed, but it was the last Saturday to see all of the wonderful Christmas decorations. This worked well for us as we were lucky with a beautiful, fresh day weather-wise and a lot fewer crowds than in December!
Colmar Cafe at Christmas
How to Get to Colmar, France
We visited Colmar as a day trip from Basel. This was a really easy 45-minute train journey. (Read all about taking the train from Basel to Colmar here.)
You can also take the train from Strasbourg in about half an hour, or Paris in 2 and a half hours.
Train prices vary depending on the date and time of travel. We purchased our tickets at the station, and they cost CHF 35 for same-day return tickets. This is roughly £33 or $44. It is possible to get cheaper tickets than this, so check online and book in advance here before you travel.
We found the train very easily; the main town is just a 15-minute walk from Colmar train station. However, if you’re exploring more of the Alsace region, you may want to consider hiring a car.
Read More: All you Need to Know About Taking the Train from Basel to Colmar.
Colmar Beautifully Decorated for Christmas
The Best Things to Do in Colmar, Alsace
These are the best things to do in Colmar, whether you’re visiting as a couple, solo, or with kids. These are the must-dos on your 1 day in Colmar, and I have listed a family-friendly itinerary below as well to help you plan your day trip!
COLMAR TOURS & ACTIVITIES:
Pass Alsace: The Best of Alsace in your Pocket
Wander La Petite Venise
La Petite Venise, or Little Venice as it translates, is probably the most picturesque area and a must-see during your visit to Colmar. This charming little neighbourhood is known for its colourful half-timbered houses that line the canals, flower-filled balconies, and cobbled streets that look like they’re straight from a fairytale.
Wandering through La Petite Venise is one of the best things to do in Colmar, especially in the morning when the streets are quieter and the light is perfect for photos. Take your time strolling along the canals, crossing the small bridges and taking in the scenery.
The Canals of La Petite Venise
Ride Boats Along the Canal
There are little wooden boats that sail along the canals. For a different perspective of the town, you can take a short boat ride along Colmar’s canals. These flat-bottomed boats glide through La Petite Venise, offering lovely views of the colourful houses and waterways from below.
The rides are calm and relaxing, making them a great option if you want a break from walking. It’s also a fun experience for families, and an easy way to see one of the most scenic parts of Colmar in a short amount of time.
Tickets for these cost €9 for adults and €4 for children, with under 4’s sailing for free. Note: the boats are cash payments only.
Wooden Boat Gliding Along the Canal
Explore the Old Town
Colmar’s Old Town is small and walkable, but full of character. As you explore the little cobblestone streets, you’ll pass historic buildings, charming squares, and traditional Alsatian architecture at every turn. Highlights include Place de l’Ancienne Douane (sort of like the town square) and the Pfister House (a building that looks like it was built for repunzle!), one of the most photographed buildings in the town. Exploring the Old Town is one of the best ways to soak up Colmar’s atmosphere and is an essential part of a day in Colmar itinerary.
You’ll also find lots of boutique stores selling everything from tourist souvenirs to traditional sweet treats. Lots of shops were handing out free tasters, and everything I tried was delicious!
Pfister House in Colmar’s Old Town
Marche Couvert
The Marché Couvert is Colmar’s covered market and a great stop if you want to experience local life. Small vendors sell regional cheeses, cured meats, pastries, and wines, making it a great spot to grab a quick bite. Even if you’re not planning to eat, it’s worth popping in to browse and enjoy the atmosphere, especially if you’re visiting Colmar during colder or rainy weather.
Colmar’s Indoor Market
Statue of Liberty Trail
One of Colmar’s more unexpected attractions is its connection to the Statue of Liberty. The statue’s creator, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, was born in Colmar, and the town celebrates this with several monuments, including a full-scale replica on the outskirts of town.
There is also a Statue of Liberty Trail, which, if you follow it, is a good way to walk around all of Colmar. It’s especially interesting for visitors who enjoy historical context alongside sightseeing. We didn’t follow the full trial, but did part of it. See the trail map here. This map is also generally useful if you’re visiting Colmar for the day. I wish we’d had it before we arrived!
Signs for the Statue of Liberty Trail
A Perfect 1 Day in Colmar Itinerary
Below, I will share our itinerary for a day in Colmar. We found this an easy and relaxed pace to explore this beautiful town. So, if you’re wondering what to do in Colmar for a day, read on!
Morning in Colmar – Explore La Petite Venise, Boat Ride & Marché Couvert
I would highly recommend starting your day in La Petite Venise, it’s the most beautiful area in Colmar, and it gets busier as the day goes on. Arriving in the morning means fewer crowds and softer light, perfect for wandering along the canals and taking photos of the colourful half-timbered houses. From here, consider taking a short boat ride along the canal, which offers a unique perspective of the neighbourhood and is a peaceful way to ease into the day. This is also a fun activity if you’re visiting Colmar with kids.
Afterwards, head to the Marché Couvert (indoor market), just a short walk away. This is a great place to browse local produce, pick up pastries or snacks, and soak up the local atmosphere. Even a quick visit adds a nice cultural touch to your morning in Colmar.
A Cute Cafe in La Petite Venise
Lunch
If you didnt pick up lunch in Marché Couvert, there are plenty of restaurants and cafés within walking distance of the Old Town and Petite Venise. Traditional Alsatian dishes such as tarte flambée (sort of like a white-based pizza) or choucroute (a meat, veg and potato dish) are popular choices, but you’ll also find lighter options if you prefer something quick and casual. In summer, sitting outside on a square or near the canal is a lovely way to enjoy a relaxed lunch during your day in Colmar.
We had a big breakfast at our hotel in Basel, so we didn’t really need lunch, but we stopped for a coffee / hot chocolate at a place called La Krutenau, which was beautifully decorated for Christmas. From other photos, it looks like they have outdoor seating in the summer months.
Restaurant in Colmar
Afternoon in Colmar – The Old Town and Parc du Champ de Mars
After your lunch or coffee stop, spend time exploring Colmar’s Old Town. There is a maze of pretty cobbled streets to wander through. Admire the historic buildings, and stop by some of the town’s prettiest squares, including Place de l’Ancienne Douane. This is the perfect time to slow down, browse small shops, and simply enjoy the atmosphere that makes Colmar so special.
As train times were limited in the afternoon, we then made our way back to the station for the return journey. Go via Parc du Champ de Mars for a scenic walk.
If you’re travelling back to Switzerland, Colmar’s excellent rail connections make it easy to head back to Basel without stress. Ending your visit in the late afternoon allows you to enjoy the town at a relaxed pace while still fitting everything comfortably into one day.
Read More: Our full Guide to Basel, Switzerland
Map of The Best Things to Do in Colmar
Below is a map of all the things to do in Colmar that I’ve mentioned. You’ll notice the majority are close together, making it easy to see everything on your day in Colmar. Colmar’s Statue of Liberty is the only thing further away, and it isn’t necessarily a must-see!
My map also has the Christmas market locations (green tree pins). If you’re not visiting at Christmas time, you can ignore these!
Just click the top right corner to open the map in Google Maps.
Colmar With Kids: Everything You Need to Know
Would kids enjoy a day trip to Colmar? I think they definitely would! If you’re visiting Colmar with kids, here are a few more things you could add to your 1-day in Colmar itinerary.
- Playgrounds – visiting a playground is always a win with my kids. We saw two in Colmar that they would have been straight in! They’re located right next to each other, the first one is called Aire de Jeux, and the other is Montagne Verte (this one looked better for older kids). There is also a playground in Parc du Champ de Mars, which is located between Colmar town and the Station.
- Carousel Ride – also located in Parc du Champ de Mars, is the beautiful Carousel 1900. This is the oldest wooden carousel in the Alsace region and only costs €2.50 a turn!
- Toy Museum – we didnt go into the Toy Museum, so I can’t personally recommend it; however, it looks pretty fun. I have linked The Toy Museum, Comar’s website here, so you can decide for yourself.
Children’s Ride at Colmar Christmas Market
1 Day in Colmar at Christmas
Spending a day in Colmar at Christmas is an all-time bucket list experience. This town goes all out with their decorations, and there are multiple Christmas markets to explore. I’ve written a full guide to visiting Colmar at Christmas, but wanted to mention it here as well.
If you are visiting Colmar at Christmas, allow some time to just marvel at the decor and to look at the Christmas markets. If you only have 1 day in Colmar and are concerned about fitting everything in, skip the indoor market and see the Christmas ones instead!
READ MORE: Colmar at Christmas
Colmar at Christmas
FAQ’s About 1 Day in Colmar
Yes, a day is enough time to see the best of this pretty little town without feeling rushed.
Top attractions include La Petite Venise, a boat ride along the canal and wandering the picture, perfect cobblestone streets of the old town.
Yes, there were lots of things for kids to enjoy in Colmar, and they would have a lovely day there.
While many of the streets in Colmar are cobblestone, there were plenty of people pushing strollers (pushchairs) along them.
Thank you so much for reading my guide on spending 1 day in Colmar, Alsace, France. We hope you have an amazing time there!
Happy Exploring,
