Colmar

Colmar is a small town in the Alsace region of northeast France, close to the German and Switzerland Border. From Zurich, it will take only 2 hours by car or train to reach Colmar We had decided to visit this old town without knowing much about it. It was a good decision.

Many tourists gathered along Canal on rue des Tanneurs, but the crowds were not too overwhelming.

Colmar is well known for its colorful flowers, the best natural decoration of all time.

Despite small, the town features two 13th century churches, Gothic Saint Martin, which was built from 1237 to 1365.

and Protestant Saint Matthieu

The centre is full of classy boutiques and shops selling local gourmet products – white wine, cheese, sausages, chocolates, salted caramels, jars of sauerkraut, and bretzels.

There are quite some fountains in Colmar, big and small.

Colmar had been temporarily occupied by the Germans during the Second World War. Thus it’s no surprise to see a German influence on Colmar’s architecture.

As we strolled the streets, we felt like we have walked into a fairytale world. The locals had decorated their home in such a creative and artistic way, which literally spell a “Wow…” out of me.

I have never imagined a home can be decorated with pots of geraniums, colourful shutters, wrought iron lamps and signs…

The bizarre decoration of the houses had opened up my mind about turning the impossible to possible.

It’s very relaxing to see flowers blossom at everywhere…

Very vibrant color, symbolizing life !

It’s not everyday they can see each other, no mention holidaying together, so it’s precious.

The most picturesque area is Little Venice, a short but incredibly cute canal. We enjoyed the view on Quai de la Poissonnerie (Fishing Quay). The colourful half-timbered houses neatly lining cobblestone streets and walkways, set along the banks of Lauch River had added charm to this canal.

Across the canal stands the Covered Market hall of Colmar (1865), one of the best of its kind in Alsace.

The 30 min boat ride costs €7 per person, not very expensive but we were not so into it.

This was the first time my 2 brothers and I went vacation in a far away land together, indeed some precious time.

Approaching Little Venice in Colmar – 360 degree video

We prefer to walk slowly on the pedestrian street instead..

Some tourists prefer cycling instead…

A small walk along the pleasant Quai de la Poissonnerie leads to St Peter’s bridge where we could have an attractive view over “Little Venice “.

Although Colmar doesn’t have huge list of must-do or attractions, its colourful half-timber houses, the external decoration and flowers had made up the shortages. For the people who love photographing, Colmar is compact enough to serve the purpose well ! Not just Colamr, there are dozens of picturesque villages around Alsace region that is ideal for photographing. Almost every corner of the towns can form a beautiful picture ifself.

Eguisheim

Located along the Alsace Wine Route, just 5 km from Colmar, there lies several fairytale villages as well. Amongst all, Eguisheim is a must during the stay in Alsace region!

Eguisheim, birthplace of Alsatian vineyards has been listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France since 2003.

This medieval village pleases for its modest size, its unique architecture, its profusion of flowers in the summer time.

The colorful palette hang in front of the houses is very beautiful too.

The central square is magnificent with its fountain, the Eguisheim castle and the colourful Saint Leon-IX chapel. The chapel is dedicated to Pope Leo IX, a native of Eguisheim, who was pope in the 11th century.

The chapel is dedicated to Pope Leo IX, a native of Eguisheim, who was pope in the 11th century.

Saint Leo-IX chapel in different angle. Too bad it wasn’t opened at the time we were there.

Eguisheim is symbolized by huge stork nests atop the churches and castles. In fact, every high building seems to have a stork family living on the roof. The wrought iron baskets holding the nests meant human was asking these birds to sit atop these building. In the 1970’s, storks nearly became extinct in Alsace due to development. As few as 10 mating pairs were left. Conservationist groups have slowly increased the numbers and today there are a steady 600 mating pairs of storks.

Equisheim Castle and Church – 360 degree video

The houses here are so colorful and sweet, just like candy bar.

The characteristic of the village – colourful half-timbered buildings, balconies and archways. Also, flowers everywhere… I would say this is a successful formula to make a charming neighbourhood!