Colourful Colmar

Apart from mostly grey skies (when we were there, which is typical as it prides itself on being one of the driest cities in France – perfect for wine growing!), Colourful Colmar did it’s very best to make me like it, having probably heard about my short relationship with Strasbourg (it’s only 40 miles from here).   Strasbourg and I will probably always have a love/hate relationship, but Colmar needn’t have worried, there’s not much to not like…

This town considers itself as something of a capital of Alsatian wines, which is fabulous if you are visiting whilst not expecting.   Those of us sans bump, were able to enjoy some beautiful specimens along with a hefty but delectable riverside lunch.    As Germany has been in charge here on a couple of past occasions, it’s not hard to spot the influence when it comes to food, but over the years it’s inherited a really great French twist.     I do like that you can drive 4 hours from Munich for French food!   There’s a reason why the French are so well known for it…

Petit Venise is exactly that (petit) but it’s worth half an hour’s leisurely boat ride, lulled half to sleep by the dulcet tones of the French guide, admiring the half timbered houses as you glide by; and if you are lucky enough, you will catch a glimpse of the local resident Nutria (or Ragondin if you want to be French about it) who has made himself very at home on a tiny riverbank nearby (he’s not shy, but sadly I didn’t get a decent picture this time around)…

The food market is worth a visit for the beautiful exterior, colourful displays on the interior, and some great bargains to be had!   10 Euros for 8 Oysters, bread and a glass of decent Alsatian White Wine?   Again, next time for me!

Take time to wander the ramshackle ancient streets packed with colourful ancient buildings (and plenty of gorgeous cake shops), relax over a glass of regional wine (or not) and some flammkuchen, before investigating the markets and the riverside.   What’s not to like?   Don’t forget to look up either, you never know what you might miss otherwise!

We stayed outside the town at the Hotel L’Europe.      Whilst this meant we needed to get taxis in and out, it wasn’t a problem, and the hotel itself, although vast, managed to keep that small hotel feel and completely spoilt us with a huge family suite, and the best pain au chocolat for breakfast each morning.

We were only in Colmar for a weekend, but found that to be the perfect amount of time to explore it extensively, and take in a leisurely lunch or two.    Do your restaurant research and make sure you book ahead, Colmar is firmly on the tourist map, if you just turn up you may well be disappointed.

Since our stay, a lot of people have recommended neighbouring Riquewihr, which just means we will have to go back…