Can I visit Strasbourg and Colmar in one day?

Yes, it is possible to visit both Strasbourg and Colmar in one day, as they are connected by a quick, 30-minute train ride. However, this requires a fast-paced, early-start itinerary, as both cities offer significant, unique sights that are often best enjoyed separately. A morning in one and an afternoon/evening in the other is common, with Colmar often preferred for its charm and atmosphere.

Can I do Colmar and Strasbourg in one day?

Getting from Strasbourg to Colmar is quick and straightforward — which makes it one of the easiest day trips you can take in Alsace. Whether you prefer the speed of the train, the flexibility of a rental car, or the savings of a bus, there's an option to fit every travel style and budget.

How many days to spend in Strasbourg and Colmar?

While you can visit Alsace as a day trip from Paris, a 3 night Alsace visit allows you time to stay in Colmar or Strasbourg, visiting both, and also touring the Route des Vins. Alsace is a magical regional of France you shouldn't miss.

Should I spend more time in Strasbourg or Colmar?

Colmar and Strasbourg each have their own unique magic, making it hard to go wrong with either choice. Colmar is perfect for those craving a serene, fairy-tale escape, while Strasbourg is much bigger with more variety and history to offer.

What is the prettiest town in Alsace?

Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr

These two villages, quite close to each other, are among the most visited in Alsace and the most beautiful in France.

Colmar France Travel Guide: BEST Things To Do in Colmar 2026

Which is bigger, Strasbourg or Colmar?

Strasbourg is beautiful but is much larger than Colmar. We prefer Colmar as it is smaller and stunningly beautiful in a different way than Strasbourg. It is much easier to walk and wander through the different parts of town and has plenty of shops and restaurants.

What are the four wonders of Alsace?

What are the four wonders of Alsace? The Colmar section of the Alsace Wine Route is a key wine tourism destination, because of the four incredibly preserved and picture-postcard villages that surround it, namely: Eguisheim, Kayserberg, Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé.

Is Colmar worth a day trip?

Visiting Colmar in one day is definitely a must in Alsace!

So if you're wondering what to do in Colmar, here are 6 places to visit in Colmar in one day. Colmar is more intimate than the majestic Strasbourg, but large enough to discover Alsatian culture.

What is the most Christmassy town in France?

Strasbourg – Alsace

Dating back to 1570, the legendary market sweeps across the entire Old Town in a glow of lights and garlands with the majestic Christmas tree on Place Kléber standing as the city's seasonal centerpiece. For many, Strasbourg is more than just a market – it's a holiday pilgrimage.

How much does it cost from Strasbourg to Colmar?

The average ticket from Strasbourg to Colmar will cost around €17 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €17. Of the 12 trains that leave Strasbourg for Colmar on Mon, Dec 08, 12 travel direct so it's quite easy to avoid journeys where you'll have to change along the way.

What not to miss in Strasbourg?

Top Attractions in Strasbourg

• Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg. 4.7. (15,442) ...
• La Petite France. 4.7. (10,653) ...
• Barrage Vauban. 4.4. (1,872) ...
• Parc de l'Orangerie. 4.4. (2,303) ...
• Musee Alsacien. 4.3. (1,352) ...
• MM Park France. 4.6. (292) ...
• Centre-Ville de Strasbourg. 4.5. (1,209) ...
• Christmas Market (Christkindelsmarik) 4.1. (978)

Where is the fountain from Beauty and the Beast?

Wandering the streets of Colmar is like stepping into a fairytale. It is said that it was the inspiration for Beauty and the Beast, and there is even a fountain that looks like the one in the movie.

What is the best base to explore Alsace?

Strasbourg and Colmar make a great base for exploring the region, but if you really want to soak up the undisputed charm of these Alsace villages, book a night or two in one of them. Go for walks, rent bikes, or sit in the village and fill yourself on wine and cheese – no judgement here.

How often do trains run from Strasbourg to Colmar?

Every day, 41 trains make the journey Strasbourg - Colmar.

What are the best day trips from Strasbourg?

Our most recommended Strasbourg Day trips

• From Strasbourg: Best Of Alsace Historical Day Trip. ...
• From Strasbourg: Colmar, Riquewihr, & Eguisheim Day Trip. ...
• From Strasbourg: Full-Day Highlights of the Alsace Tour. ...
• From Strasbourg: Medieval Villages & Wine Tasting Day Trip. ...
• Alsace: Full-Day Wine Tour & Tastings from Strasbourg.

Is Colmar close to Strasbourg?

Average duration: the bus journey from Strasbourg to Colmar lasts approximately 55 minutes. Distance covered: the distance between Strasbourg and Colmar is 47 miles, with some variation depending on the bus route and intermediate stops.

Is Colmar or Strasbourg Christmas market better?

If you're traveling with kids, love calm corners, or are prioritizing atmosphere and aesthetics — go for Colmar. If you're into grand holiday spectacles, concerts, large markets, and don't mind the crowds — choose Strasbourg.

What is the silly village in France?

Trécon, in case you missed it, sounds exactly like "très con" which means "really dumb" or "very stupid" in English. The mayor said that it wasn't uncommon for people to steal his village's road signs - something that many other villages with similarly strange names can relate to.

How many days do you need in Strasbourg for Christmas?

How Long Should I Spend at the Strasbourg Christmas Market? Most visitors spend 2–3 days in Strasbourg to fully experience the markets, explore the decorated city center, and take a day trip to a nearby town like Colmar or Obernai. A full day is enough to see the highlights if you're short on time.

What is the prettiest place in Alsace?

Visit the most beautiful villages in Alsace: our unmissable...

• Eguisheim: One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. ...
• Riquewihr: A medieval village in the heart of the vineyards. ...
• Kaysersberg: The French People's Favorite Village. ...
• Hunawihr: Authenticity in the Heart of the Vineyards.

How many hours are needed in Colmar?

I would've loved 2-3 days. If you also prefer a slower pace I would recommend 2 – 3 days. If you are staying in Colmar as a home base and want to explore other towns in the Alsace region, I would recommend 3 – 5 days.

Why is Colmar called Little Venice?

The « little Venice » is the name given to the course of the Lauch in Colmar. This name probably came from the original line of the houses on both sides of the river, which serves the southeast of the city.

What not to miss in Alsace?

Top Attractions in Alsace

• Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg. 4.7. (15,443) ...
• La Petite France. 4.7. (10,652) ...
• Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg. 4.5. (3,633) ...
• Little Venice. 4.5. (6,100) ...
• Old Town. 4.7. (4,871) ...
• Musée National De L'Automobile. 4.6. (2,998) ...
• Barrage Vauban. 4.4. (1,872) ...
• Parc de l'Orangerie. 4.4. (2,303)

What is the fairytale village in Alsace France?

Eguisheim: One of the Fairytale French Villages

Eguisheim is one of the most maintained of the walled towns in Alsace. Entering Eguisheim is like walking into the opening scenes of Beauty and the Beast.

Is Alsace more German or French?

A bit of history

It is made up of two departments - Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin and the capital is Strasbourg. Since 1681, the region has passed between the hands of France and Germany but today it is officially part of France. The official language of Alsace is French, however many Alsatian people speak German as well.