Colmar: Christmas Market and City Highlights Walking Tour

Colmar’s enchanting Christmas market and historic city highlights come alive on this captivating walking tour. Stroll through the medieval Old Town, marveling at landmarks like the Collégiale Saint-Martin and charming La Petite Venise. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, browsing handcrafted gifts and savoring traditional Alsatian treats. As you explore the twinkling lights and vibrant decorations, you’ll discover why this quaint French city is a beloved holiday destination.

Key Points

• A 3-hour private or small-group walking tour exploring the medieval Old Town of Colmar, featuring its key landmarks and the festive Christmas Market.
• The tour includes visits to the 13th-century Collégiale Saint-Martin, the picturesque La Petite Venise district, and the exterior of the Unterlinden Museum.
• Visitors can experience the festive atmosphere of the Colmar Christmas Market, with its handcrafted gifts, traditional ornaments, and Alsatian specialties.
• The tour offers a personalized experience with a professional guide and small group size, focusing on the exteriors of the featured landmarks.
• Comfortable walking shoes and appropriate winter attire are recommended for the extensive exploring and to navigate the potentially crowded Christmas Market.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

This Colmar Christmas Market and City Highlights Walking Tour is a 3-hour private or small-group experience.

Available in English, French, Spanish, and German, it explores the medieval Old Town with stops at key landmarks like the 13th-century Église Saint-Martin and picturesque La Petite Venise district.

You’ll also visit the Unterlinden Museum and admire the Renaissance Pfister House and Maison des Têtes.

The tour includes exterior visits only, with no entrance fees. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as this tour involves extensive exploring.

Secure your spot in advance with no upfront payment, and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at the Collégiale Saint-Martin de Colmar, a 13th-century Gothic church that serves as the starting point. Guests will then explore the picturesque district of La Petite Venise, known for its half-timbered houses. Next, they’ll visit the Unterlinden Museum, home to the renowned Isenheim Altarpiece. The tour continues to the Pfister House, a stunning example of 16th-century Renaissance architecture, and the Maison des Têtes, a historic house adorned with 106 sculpted heads. The tour concludes at the Maison Pfister, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for Colmar’s rich history and architecture.

| Sight | Description |

| — | — |

| Église Saint-Martin | 13th-century Gothic church |

| La Petite Venise | Picturesque district with half-timbered houses |

| Unterlinden Museum | Home to the Isenheim Altarpiece |

| Pfister House | 16th-century Renaissance architecture |

| Maison des Têtes | Historic house with 106 sculpted heads |

Christmas Market Experience

The Christmas Market is located along the cobblestone streets and squares of Colmar’s historic old town.

Visitors can browse the colorful wooden chalets offering handcrafted gifts, traditional Christmas ornaments, and delectable Alsatian specialties like bredele cookies and vin chaud.

The festive atmosphere is enhanced by the twinkling lights and decorations that accentuate the charming architecture.

While the market is a popular draw, the crowds can be sizable during the holiday season.

Visitors should take precautions to secure their personal belongings.

The Christmas Market experience is a highlight of any visit to Colmar.

Tour Inclusions

While the tour doesn’t include transportation, meals, or entrance tickets, it does provide a professional guide to lead visitors through the planned itinerary.

The small group size ensures a personalized experience, allowing the guide to share insights and anecdotes about the key sights.

Though visitors will only see the exteriors of the featured landmarks, the guide’s expertise brings the history and architecture to life.

The tour includes stops at iconic sites like the Église Saint-Martin, La Petite Venise, and the Pfister House, culminating in the festive atmosphere of the Colmar Christmas Market.

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Important Information

To ensure a comfortable and seamless tour experience, visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves extensive walking.

Dressing appropriately for the weather is also crucial, as Colmar can be chilly in the winter.

Visitors should also note that the Christmas Market is seasonal, so they’ll need to check the dates to ensure it’s operating during their visit.

Photography is permitted, but visitors should respect the privacy and sanctity of religious sites.

Expect crowded areas during the holiday season and secure personal belongings accordingly.

Historic Charm of Colmar

Colmar’s historic charm captivates visitors with its well-preserved architecture and quaint medieval atmosphere. Winding cobblestone streets are lined with colorful half-timbered houses, each one more picturesque than the last.

The 13th-century Gothic Église Saint-Martin stands as a stunning landmark, its ornate facade and soaring spires a testament to the city’s storied past. Elsewhere, the Pfister House and Maison des Têtes showcase Renaissance elegance, their facades adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.

Amidst this timeless setting, the lively Christmas market adds a festive touch, its wooden chalets offering handcrafted gifts and local delicacies.

Exploring the Cobblestone Streets

Visitors can meander through Colmar’s cobblestone streets, seeing the city’s historic charm.

They’ll discover picturesque half-timbered houses, ornate fountains, and charming shops along the way. The Petite Venise district, with its canals and bridges, offers a particularly scenic stroll.

Nearby, the Maison des Têtes, with its 106 sculpted heads, is a must-see example of Renaissance architecture.

Throughout the old town, the festive Christmas market adds to the enchanting atmosphere, with wooden chalets selling handcrafted gifts, Alsatian delicacies, and steaming cups of vin chaud.

Exploring Colmar’s cobblestone streets is a delightful way to experience the city’s timeless allure.

Savoring Alsatian Specialties

As visitors explore the festive Christmas markets, they’ll have the opportunity to savor Alsatian specialties that have been perfected over generations.

Indulge in the classic bredele cookies, delicate buttery pastries often shaped like snowflakes or stars. Warm up with a cup of mulled wine, or vin chaud, a regional favorite infused with spices.

For a true taste of Alsace, try the rich and creamy foie gras, a prized delicacy. These local delights perfectly complement the enchanting atmosphere of Colmar’s charming markets, allowing visitors to enjoy the region’s culinary heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Dog on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this walking tour. The tour operator’s policy does not permit dogs or other animals to accompany guests during the scheduled activities and visits to the historic sites and Christmas market.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour may not be fully accessible for people with disabilities. Extensive walking on cobblestone streets and stairs may pose challenges. Participants should check with the tour provider about accommodations before booking.

Can I Join a Group Tour if I’m Traveling Solo?

Yes, solo travelers can join the group tour. The tour offers a private group option, and the regular group tours are open to individual bookings, allowing solo travelers to participate and explore the highlights of Colmar’s Christmas market and city.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Travelers of all ages can join the private group tour. However, the extensive walking involved may not be suitable for young children or those with mobility issues.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Interests?

The tour offers a pre-set itinerary, but you can likely request customization to focus on specific sights or experiences that interest you most. It’s best to discuss any desired changes with the tour provider.

The Wrap Up

The Colmar: Christmas Market and City Highlights Walking Tour offers a captivating glimpse into the historic charm of this Alsatian gem. Wander the picturesque cobblestone streets, marvel at the stunning architectural landmarks, and learn about the festive atmosphere of the Christmas market. This enchanting experience promises to create lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the unique blend of French and German influences that define Colmar’s allure.

You can check availability for your dates here: