Which is better, Colmar or Strasbourg?

Strasbourg offers a larger city vibe with grand Gothic architecture (Strasbourg Cathedral), diverse culture (European Parliament), and a lively atmosphere, while Colmar provides a more intimate, "fairytale" experience with its storybook-perfect canals (Little Venice), colorful half-timbered houses, and focus on wine, with both featuring similar charming areas like Strasbourg's Petite France. Choose Strasbourg for history, culture, and energy, or Colmar for quintessential, picturesque Alsace charm, though many recommend visiting both as they're easily day-trippable from each other.

What's better, 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.

Can you do Strasbourg and Colmar 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.

Is it worth going to Colmar?

Is Colmar Worth Visiting? Yes, Colmar is worth visiting! This fairytale town has been dubbed the wine capital of Alsace. It boasts a picturesque setting highlighted by cobbled streets and charming half-timbered houses. Of the places I've been to in France, I have to say that Colmar is one of the most beautiful.

Should I Visit Colmar Or Strasbourg? - Europe Travel Pros

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 time do I need in Colmar?

Take the small streets and get lost (downtown Colmar is small, you shouldn't get lost for too long!). Allow half a day in total to visit the city center, taking your time (with even a snack break!).

Is Colmar a walkable city?

Not only is the historic center of Colmar entirely walkable (you can walk the entire length in 20 minutes), but most of it is car-free and pedestrianized. This significantly adds to the overall atmosphere and joy of wandering the city.

Is there a train between Strasbourg and Colmar?

Are there any direct trains from Strasbourg to Colmar? Yes, there are direct trains that run between Strasbourg and Colmar. You'll usually find 41 travelling on this route each day.

How much time is needed in Strasbourg?

A 3-day stay in Strasbourg is the ideal time to spend discovering the city's heritage and cultural attractions. Here are our suggestions to help you make the most of your stay and not miss the key sights!

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.

Which is the prettiest village in France?

France's Most Beautiful Towns And Villages

• Domme, Dordogne. ...
• Honfleur, Normandy. ...
• Ploumanac'h, Brittany. ...
• Chartres, Loire Valley. ...
• St-Guilhem-le-Désert, Languedoc. ...
• Fourcés, Midi-Pyrénées. ...
• St-Tropez, Côte d'Azur. ...
• Grasse, French Riviera.

What to see in Colmar Old Town?

What you should see in Colmar Old Town

• A walk across Colmar Old Town.
• The Unterlinden Museum.
• The Maison des Têtes (House of the Heads)
• The Dominican Church.
• The St. Martin Collegiate Church.
• The district of the Rue des Marchands.
• The Old Customs House (Koifhus) and its district.
• The Protestant Temple of St. Matthieu.

Is Strasbourg or Colmar bigger?

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. There are also more storybook villages nearby.

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.

What is so special about Colmar?

Nestled among vineyards, its traditional houses, canals, floral displays, amazing cuisine, famous wines and charming accommodation make Colmar an outstanding microcosm of Alsace – showcasing its lifestyle, conviviality and hospitality – the key features of its unique, exceptional welcome.

Where to go, Colmar or Strasbourg?

If you're into picturesque little towns, Colmar is definitely the one for you. But if you prefer somewhere a bit bigger with more going on, you'll probably enjoy Strasbourg more. Both have a similar architectural charm though, so you really can't go wrong with either.

What is the difference between green and white train in Colmar?

The difference between the white and the green trains is the green town sticks to the main centre while the white train goes slightly outside the centre and passed some more modern areas such as the park. Tickets can be booked in the tourist information office or from the people operating the train.

How much is Uber from Strasbourg to Colmar?

Uber: Request an Uber ride from Strasbourg to Colmar. The journey takes approximately 60 minutes, covering a distance of 47 miles, with an estimated price of €99.

Is Colmar, France a tourist trap?

We were surprised so few reviews mention that Colmar is a big tacky tourist trap. Perhaps worth a quick walk through because the architecture is beautiful but just too many people (think large tourist groups *everywhere*) and streets filled with cheap junky souvenir stands to be enjoyable.

What food is Colmar famous for?

We will mention just a few classic specialities: foie gras (invented in Strasburg in 1780), baeckaoffe (a dish composed of three types of marinated meat and potatoes in white wine), the inevitable sauerkraut, the matelote du Rhin fish dish, le coq au Riesling (chicken in wine), pain d´épices (similar to ginger bread) ...

How many days in Colmar is enough?

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. If you are staying somewhere else in the Alsace region and just want to do a quick trip to Colmar, France, you could totally do it as a day trip. Just know that it will be a little bit rushed.

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.

What is the best season to visit Colmar?

As in nearby Strasbourg, the best time to visit Colmar is spring and summer, when you can enjoy wine tasting in the beautiful weather. That said, autumn brings lovely foliage and a plenitude of wine harvest festivals.