Our tour of Colmar’s old town starts at Place des Unterlinden, a large green and tree-shaded square that takes its name from the famous Unterlinden Museum, which is located right here. For the lazier ones or for rainy days, tourist trains depart from here and propose comfortable guided tours of the old town.
After the ritual photo with the large ‘Colmar’ logo, we move on to the historic city centre by way of the Place des Martyrs de la Résistance, the picturesque Rue des Marchands, the Grand Rue and then the Tanneurs quarter and the famous Quai de la Poissonnerie to the Petit Venise.
Here are the stops we recommend on the itinerary and if you want to follow our route, you can find our route map on Outdooractive:

– Church of the Dominicans (Église des Dominicains): in theory, this deconsecrated church is open to the public and can be visited, but opening hours are rather uncertain and variable so much so that during our three-day stay, we never managed to find it open! In front of the side entrance to the church is Place des Dominicains, where the main open-air markets take place, including the famous Spring Market (Marché de Printemps).

– Collegiate Church of St Martin (Collégiale St-Martin): it is the city’s cathedral, which can be visited and is open to the public.

– Rue des Marchands and the Maison Pfister: built in 1500, this old building owes its current name to the family that renovated and lived in it in 1800. It is undoubtedly interesting: with its exposed wooden beams, frescoes and octagonal turret, it represents the heart of the city, standing on one of the liveliest and busiest streets in the old town, the Rue des Marchands.

– Koïfhus: the 15th century Old Customs House building stands at the end of rue des Marchands and is characterised by an elegant loggia and a roof of coloured tiles. The building cannot normally be visited inside, but often hosts exhibitions, events or craft markets.

– Marché couvert de Colmar: this mid-1800s building now houses a lively market selling fresh produce such as fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and local specialities. It is also a good option for a quick lunch or an afternoon snack, perhaps on one of the small tables on the (small) terrace overlooking the canal. Beware, however: the Covered Market is a real market and, consequently, may be closed on public holidays. Updated opening hours can be found here.

– Quai de la Poissonnerie: one of the most characteristic and photographed streets in Colmar, the Quai de la Poissonnerie is certainly charming with its low, colourful half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and the canal that flows placidly just across the street. You won’t be able to stop taking pictures!

– Petite Venise: certainly a must for first-time visitors, the Petite Venise is probably the city’s most popular attraction. This canal is really picturesque! But we must warn you: taking a photo with the canal in the background will not be easy at all given the high number of tourists!

– Maison des Têtes: this old building dating back to the 1600s owes its name to the presence of no fewer than 106 heads of animals, devils and angels on its façade. The building, located on Rue des Têtes, is now a luxury hotel, so you can only admire its façade…unless you decide to stay the night!