Colmar's Old Town is one of Alsace's most iconic clusters of half-timbered houses, and its 'La Petite Venise' (Little Venice) quarter along the Lauch river is the star attraction. Beginning behind the Koïffhus and running past the Quai de la Poissonnerie (old fish market quay) and the Tanners' Quarter, the roughly 800-metre historic core is entirely walkable, weaving together colourful gabled houses, canals and geranium-draped bridges. As of 2026 no major closures or works are reported, and strolling the lanes is free; but summer and the December Christmas-market season get very crowded, so come early in the day and book boat rides and popular restaurants ahead.
The Pont de l'Abreuvoir bridge — Colmar's most emblematic view, framing half-timbered houses, flat-bottomed boats and geraniums in one shot
Maison Pfister (1537) — a German Renaissance masterpiece with a corner turret, frescoes and a wooden gallery (admire from outside)
Maison des Têtes (17th century) — famous for the 106 sculpted heads decorating its facade
A flat-bottomed 'barque' tour on the Lauch — a 25–30 minute glide along the old produce-transport route for a river-level view of Little Venice
The Marché Couvert (covered market, 1865) — an indoor hall selling Alsatian cheeses, charcuterie and bretzels for a tasty local break
Old-town cultural anchors: the Unterlinden Museum's Isenheim Altarpiece and the Collégiale Saint-Martin church
Good to know
SafetyLittle Venice, the old town, the train station, markets and the Christmas-market streets are prime pickpocket spots. Wear your bag zipped and in front, never keep a wallet in a back pocket, and grip your phone firmly when photographing from the bridges.
SafetyCanal edges and the old cobblestones (pavés) get slippery when wet. Watch your footing, and take special care with children and anyone carrying luggage near the water.
SeasonIn peak summer and during Advent (late Nov–Dec) the crowds swell and boat tours and popular restaurants sell out. Early mornings or weekdays are far calmer, and it is best to reserve the boat ride in advance.
RulesWalking the old town and Little Venice is free, but boat tours and museums are ticketed. Hours and prices vary by season (reduced in Jan/Feb/Nov), so confirm the latest details on the Sweet Narcisse and museum official sites before you go.
CautionBuy boat tickets only at the official landing stage next to the Pont Saint-Pierre, never from street touts. Restaurants sitting on the most photogenic corners can be overpriced tourist traps — check the posted menu prices first.
MannersLittle Venice is still a lived-in residential quarter. Keep your voice down and do not step into private gardens or courtyards, or lean on residents' windows, just for a photo.
Practical info
Colmar station (Gare de Colmar) is about 1 km / a 15-minute walk from the old town and Little Venice, and sits on the Strasbourg–Mulhouse–Basel line — around 30 minutes by TER train from Strasbourg. The old town is largely pedestrian, so explore on foot; opening hours and prices for the boat tours, covered market and museums shift between high and low season, so check each operator's official website for the latest information.
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