If there is any Colmar What enchants us is, without a doubt, its channels. A city that is always outlined by water has something specialand if they tell it to Amsterdam, Bruges or Venice. More than 150 years ago the Prussians baptized it ‘La Petite Venise’ and today its charm remains intact. With architecture that combines the best of French and German influences, Colmar is positioned as one of the most beautiful towns in Alsace, especially at Christmas.
Beyond its canals, what is really interesting about Colmar is the medieval ecosystem that we find inside its streets. His historic center is classified as a protected area and in it we find a wide composition of old houses, many from the 16th century, which perfectly reflect the splendor of Colmar in the Middle Ages.
It does not surprise us that some films have been inspired by this city to create their settings. Some dare to say that the Disney town of beauty and the beast It would be inspired by its half-timbered streets, and the truth is that the reasons are clear.
A storybook historic center
Imagine streets that seem straight out of a fairy tale and illuminated with the warm light of Christmas. That’s how it is Colmar, one of the perfect corners of Alsace to visit on these important dates. It is true that many large European cities do the same during the season, however, what is special about this city is seeing its medieval houses with pointed roofs full of festive decorations and lights.
Its streets smell of mulled wine and gingerbread cookies and this is largely due to its Christmas markets. The city has six spread throughout the old town, all of them considered as the best in Europe. The best known is the Marché de Noël Place des Dominicains. It is also arguably one of the prettiest, boasting a prime location in a picturesque medieval square near the Dominican Church. Whether to buy a souvenir or to simply walk around, it is a mandatory stop if you travel to Colmar at Christmas.
Where to eat in Colmar and try tarte flambée
Travelers who love gastronomy find their perfect place at the street market. Place de la Cathedrale. Near the St. Martin’s Cathedral Colmar, one of the main attractions of the city, this square with Gothic airs offers the best variety of artisan products and typical food.
Of course, traveling to Alsace, whatever the season, is synonymous with trying the tarte flambéeone of the most emblematic dishes of the region. You could say that it is a kind of “pizza” although it has significant differences. It is usually made up of a thin, crispy dough to which sour cream, onion and bacon are added.
Being able to try it in the middle of the market is a unique experience, but in Colmar you can also find a long list of restaurants, such as La Soï. Of course, although it is one of the best places to taste this traditional dish, it is small and is always usually full.
As a curiosity, Colmar was lucky enough to see the birth of the sculptor who built one of the most famous statues in the world. Many don’t know it, but you could say that New York’s Statue of Liberty was born here, since Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi lived in this city surrounded by canals and alleys.
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