15 Pictures of Colmar, France That Will Urge You to Book a Trip Immediately

Spontaneous trips are exhilarating. I booked one such trip to France and debated where I would go within the country for my few days there. Pictures of Colmar, France that I had seen online led me in the right direction.

The Loire Valley was also in the running and I investigated the west coast near Bordeaux. I looked into the east area of Alsace, then the south near Cannes and Marseilles.

But I circled back around to the east and pulled the trigger as I booked a hotel for a few nights in Colmar.

This fairy tale village persuaded me with its promise of medieval architecture and colorful facades. I am so glad I went. And I know this photography of Colmar will inspire you!

1. Inspiring Canals

The most photographed area of Colmar in its old city center is, perhaps, Little Venice, or Petite Venise. Its overwhelmingly evident to see why. The charm of the enchanted house-lined canal is magnetizing. This is what it looked like in November; I can only imagine how gorgeous it is during summer, a peak time to visit.

2. Fall Splendor

Walking to the end of the canal revealed a tree in full fall-color glory, smiling at colorful homes across the water. A public park in the distance made me smile as I envisioned a couple walking down the path holding hands. Fall foliage is a perk of visiting this beautiful city in the off season. 3. Unique Contrast

These 15 images are all standouts from my days in the city but there is one that stands above the rest in my pictures of Colmar, France: the one below.

I snapped it as we passed through a low tunnel on a boat ride I took in Little Venice. I'm IN LOVE with the high contrast of the light and dark areas in the image. The pops of color from trees lining the canal and reflection in the water are the icing on the cake.

4. Medieval Architecture

The canal goes past a grand building, seen below on the right, which is the city's covered market. I love the vantage point of this photo, with the city's amazing vertical medieval buildings in the distance crossed by the horizontal lines of the bridges. 

5. Pops of Pink

I was there in November when the leaves were changes and temperatures were dropping during the city's off peak tourist season. Yet I still managed to find vibrant flower boxes adorning many facades. The home below was one of my favorites. The beautiful window flowers bring your eyes across the entire photo as the pink and red geraniums cascade from top to bottom. 

6. French Lady Liberty 

Did you know the artist of one of the most famous sculptures in the world was from Colmar? Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi was the man behind the woman, so to speak, and was born in Colmar. Her official name is “Liberty Enlightening the World,” yet she's better known as her the “Statue of Liberty.” The original is in New York City, of course, but there are hundreds of replicas worldwide.

This 39 foot, 4 inch replica was erected at the north entrance to the city in July, 2004, on the 100th anniversary of Bartholdi's death. It's a bit outside the city center so I was happy that a day tour with a local company (that no longer exists, unfortunately) took us there to start our international tour.

7. Charming Shops

I snapped this photo of a Chapellerie, or hat shop, back in Colmar's old city center one late afternoon. If this doesn't scream “CHARMING!” I don't know what would! It's so quaint and French! 

8. Old Meets New

The modern sculpture pieces in front of the city's library surprised me when I stumbled upon them. I love the juxtaposition of the old behind the new in this image from my photography of Colmar, France.

9. In the Details

I couldn't resist a close-up of some fall foliage wrapped around the entry gates to the exhibit above. It reminded me of the colorful, rich beauty of Colmar. It also takes me back to the quiet, serene moment I snapped this image and took in the scenery with only two other pedestrians nearby. 

10. Main Street in Colmar's Old Town

My hotel is to the left of the red vehicle in the photo below. It was wonderful to walk out of the main entrance everyday to such a gorgeous view. I love the subtleness of pedestrians walking on either side of the street and the bicycles tied on the fence. The blue shutters are a welcome point of interest in this photograph.

11. The City Has Heart

Little charming details like hearts on teal painted shutter windows pull at my heartstrings. The best finishing detail of this picture in Colmar is the greenery playfully “dancing” on top of the window. 

12. Seductive Pastels

The pastel colors of the buildings below yet again transported me to the pages of a storybook fairy tale. Periwinkle, yellow and coral converse with one another in a romantic street scene. It didn't take much convincing to travel to this spot. If you saw this at the end of a street in any village, wouldn't it seduce you to visit, too? 

13. Textures and Colors Play

There's so much I go gaga over in this vertical image showcasing this spiral staircase's height. I can almost reach out and touch the colorful shingles leading up to the tall spire. They're almost as beautiful as the rectangular panel that seems to have either oxidized to green over time or been painted to seem weathered.

The criss-crossed wood beams seem rough yet smooth. The pops of mustard yellow around the door frame and windows sealed the deal to make it a top contender for one of my favorite 15 amongst my pictures of Colmar, France.

14. Park Splash Zone

This fountain is at the center of one of the largest parks in Colmar. Fountaine Bruat sits within the middle of Parc du Champ de Mars. It may be swarming with people during summer but less so in fall. I was lucky to snap a few photos of it amongst a backdrop of yellow fall leaves and pops of red foliage in the foreground.

15. Attractive Alleys 

Even the “less attractive” alleyways in Colmar are beautiful. The blue and green earth tones on the architecture below inspired a lighthearted walk as I moseyed down this alluring little street. 

So what are you waiting for? Book a hotel and travel there to capture your own pictures of Colmar, France!

For more on France check out:

• Food You Need to Try in the Alsace Region of France
• 12 Things to Know Before You Go to Colmar France
• The One Tour that Changed My Perspective of Paris

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Have you ever been to a fairy tale village?