Afternoon: Arrival & Hotel Check-in
Arrive in Colmar and check into your accommodation. Whether you choose the elegant La Maison des Têtes, a historic mansion with boutique charm and a Michelin-starred restaurant, the cozy Hôtel Saint-Martin in the heart of the Old Town, or the budget-friendly Hôtel Colmar Vignes near the vineyards, you’ll find the perfect base for exploring this enchanting town.

Late Afternoon: Strolling Through Colmar’s Old Town
Once settled, begin your adventure with a leisurely walk through Colmar’s Old Town. The cobbled streets lead you past vibrant half-timbered houses, each more picturesque than the last. La Petite Venise (Little Venice) is a must-visit, where the Lauch River winds through narrow streets lined with flower-adorned houses. This area offers postcard-perfect views, especially at sunset, when the golden light reflects off the pastel-colored facades.

Hidden Gem: Stop by Rue des Marchands, one of Colmar’s most charming streets, where you’ll find local artisan shops and the House of Heads (Maison des Têtes), a Renaissance building adorned with over 100 sculpted heads.

Evening: Alsatian Delicacies for Dinner
For dinner, indulge in refined Alsatian cuisine at L’Echevin, where dishes like tarte flambée (a thin, crispy flatbread with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon) and coq au Riesling showcase the region’s rich flavors. Afterward, take a quiet evening stroll along the canals, soaking in the romantic nighttime atmosphere before heading back to your hotel for a restful night.

Morning: Artistic Treasures at the Unterlinden Museum
Start your morning with a visit to the Unterlinden Museum, housed in a beautifully restored former monastery. The museum’s highlight is Matthias Grünewald’s Isenheim Altarpiece, a stunning masterpiece of medieval art, alongside an impressive collection of Renaissance and modern pieces.

Hidden Gem: Don’t miss the museum’s cloister gardens, a peaceful retreat that offers a moment of serenity before heading back into town.

Mid-Morning: Local Flavors at the Covered Market
After immersing yourself in art and history, take a short walk to the Marché Couvert (Covered Market), where local vendors sell fresh produce, cheeses, pastries, and Alsatian wines. Sample a slice of kougelhopf, a traditional Alsatian brioche, or pick up some locally made foie gras to savor later.

Lunch: Traditional Alsatian Feast
For lunch, dine at Wistub de la Petite Venise, a cozy traditional Alsatian restaurant where you can enjoy choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with sausages and meats) or bäckeoffe, a slow-cooked dish of potatoes, meat, and white wine. The warm wooden interiors add to the inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect place for a relaxed meal.

Afternoon: Colmar’s Architectural Wonders & a Boat Ride
In the afternoon, explore one of Colmar’s architectural gems, Maison des Têtes (House of Heads), a Renaissance-era building adorned with over 100 sculpted heads and an intricate façade.

If you prefer a more serene experience, take a boat ride through Little Venice, where gondola-like boats glide along the narrow waterways, offering a different perspective of Colmar’s enchanting streets.

Hidden Gem: For a unique souvenir, visit Atelier de la Petite Venise, a small workshop where artisans craft hand-painted Alsatian ceramics—a beautiful keepsake of your time in Colmar.

Early Evening: Wine Tasting at Domaine Martin Jund
Wine lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to Domaine Martin Jund, a family-run winery in the city center, where you can sample some of the best Rieslings, Gewürztraminers, and Crémant d’Alsace. The intimate tasting sessions provide insight into the winemaking traditions that have shaped the region’s identity.

Evening: Michelin-Starred Dining & a Romantic Stroll
As the evening arrives, treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience at JY’s, a Michelin-starred restaurant set by the canal. The innovative dishes, blending French elegance with Alsatian influences, make for a perfect culinary finale to your day.

Take in the romantic ambiance of the illuminated town, strolling along the canals one last time before heading back to your hotel.

Morning: A Storybook Escape to Eguisheim
A short 10-minute drive from Colmar takes you to Eguisheim, a village so picturesque it inspired the design of Belle’s town in Beauty and the Beast. Known for its circular cobblestone streets lined with colorful half-timbered houses, Eguisheim is often ranked among the most beautiful villages in France.

Begin your morning with a guided walking tour or explore at your own pace. Visit Saint-Léon IX Chapel, dedicated to the town’s most famous resident, Pope Leo IX, and admire the flower-filled squares that have earned Eguisheim numerous awards for its beauty.

Late Morning: Alsatian Wine Tasting
No trip to Alsace is complete without wine tasting, and Wolfberger Winery offers an excellent introduction to the region’s renowned white wines, particularly Riesling and Pinot Gris. Learn about Alsace’s winemaking traditions while sampling their finest vintages in a charming tasting room.

Lunch: Traditional Alsatian Cuisine
For lunch, stop at Caveau Heuhaus, a rustic eatery serving classic Alsatian fare. Try the quiche Lorraine or Munster cheese tart, both specialties of the region. Paired with a crisp local white wine, your meal will be a perfect reflection of Alsace’s culinary heritage.

Afternoon: Vineyards & Medieval Castles
After lunch, take a leisurely hike through the surrounding vineyards, where scenic trails offer stunning views of rolling hills and medieval villages.

If you prefer a more historical outing, drive to Château du Hohlandsbourg, a medieval fortress perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of the Alsace plain and Vosges Mountains. Wander through the ancient walls and imagine the history of the region unfolding before you.

Early Evening: A Visit to the Stork Sanctuary
Before returning to Colmar, stop by a stork sanctuary, where you can observe the birds that have become a symbol of Alsace’s cultural heritage. The sight of these majestic creatures nesting in tall trees and rooftops is a fitting end to your journey through this fairy-tale region.

Evening: A Memorable Farewell Dinner in Colmar
Back in Colmar, enjoy a final dinner at Le Quai 21, a modern bistro specializing in seasonal dishes with an Alsatian twist. As you savor your last evening in this enchanting part of France, reflect on the charming streets, exquisite flavors, and warm hospitality that have made this journey so special.