Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Colmar feels made for wonder-struck tourists—its essentially traffic-free city center is a
fantasy of steep pitched roofs, pastel stucco, and aged timbers. Plus, it offers a few heavy-
weight sights in a comfortable, midsize-town package. Historic beauty was usually a poor
excuse forbeingsparedtheravages ofWorldWarII,butitworkedforColmar.TheAmer-
ican and British military were careful not to bomb the half-timbered old burghers' houses,
characteristic red- and green-tiled roofs, and cobbled lanes of Alsace's most beautiful city.
The town's distinctly French shutters combined with the ye-olde German half-timbering
give Colmar an intriguing ambience.
Today, Colmar is alive with colorful buildings, impressive art treasures, and German
tourists. Antiques shops welcome browsers, homeowners fuss over their geraniums, and
hoteliers hurry down the sleepy streets to pick up fresh croissants in time for breakfast.
There isn't a straight street in Colmar—count on getting lost. Thankfully, most streets are
pedestrian-only, and it's a lovely town to be lost in. Navigate by church steeples and the
