Charming Colmar: Self-Guided Walk through La Petite Venise
Active
1h - 1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Soak up Alsatian heritage in this quaint French-German town’s medieval streets. Experience the magic of GPS playback on this self-guided tour of Colmar. Colmar is just as pretty as its big sister Strasbourg and maybe even more quaint. On this walking tour through the medieval centre, known as Little Venice (“La Petite Venise de Colmar”), you’ll get plenty of opportunities to take in its historic beauty because of its many canals. While you walk, I’ll tell you about Colmar’s interesting past, during which Germany and France took turns shaping the city’s culture. Today, the Alsace region, part French and part German, has developed its traditions and specialities. I’ll give you plenty of ideas on where to stop for coffee, beer, crêpes, flammkuchen or other yummy snacks. You’ll also stroll through the Quartier des Tanneurs, the tanners’ district, and past Ancienne Douane, a pretty square lined with historic homes.
Available options
Charming Colmar: Self-Guided Walk through La Petite Venise
What's included
Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Start your tour at the Unterlinden Museum, Colmar's most important museum, which houses a rich collection of art and artifacts, including the famous Isenheim Altarpiece.
2
Pass the Dominican Church, one of Colmar's most important churches, known for its impressive Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.
3
See the Collégiale Saint-Martin de Colmar, a stunning example of Gothic architecture with a famous sundial on its facade that can tell you the month.
4
Discover the Schwendi Fountain, created by Bartholdi, the sculptor behind the Statue of Liberty, and learn about the historical significance of the figure it depicts.
5
Walk through Ancienne Douane, a picturesque square lined with historic homes, offering a glimpse into Colmar's medieval past.
6
Stroll through the Quartier des Tanneurs, the tanners’ district, known for its charming, well-preserved half-timbered houses.
7
Wander along La Petite Venise, the beautiful La Lauch Canal with its colorful houses, and enjoy the opportunity to take a boat ride.
8
Explore the Marché Couvert Colmar, a fascinating Market Hall where you can try Alsatian specialties and local delicacies.
9
Appreciate the historic Maison Schongauer, one of Colmar's most beautiful old homes, which was once the residence of the famous painter Martin Schongauer.
10
See the Fontaine Roesselmann, another work by Bartholdi, depicting a 13th-century mayor of Colmar who defended the city against its enemies.
11
End your tour at the Musée Bartholdi, dedicated to the life and works of the sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, including models and sketches of his famous creations.
What's not included
Please bring your own smartphone and headphones
Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
Available languages
Audio guide
DE
EN
Written guide
DE
EN
Reviews breakdown
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4.0
1 reviews
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1
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Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Suitable for adults and children
Meeting point
The tour begins at Unterlinden which is also where the tourist trains leave from.
Important notes
VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.
This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. Enter your code then select Download Now
PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.
SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me
About Colmar
Colmar is a picturesque town in northeastern France, known for its well-preserved old town and charming canals. With its colorful half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and flower-adorned bridges, it offers a unique blend of Alsatian and French culture.
Top Attractions
Petite Venise
Petite Venise, or Little Venice, is the most picturesque part of Colmar. This charming quarter features colorful half-timbered houses, flower-adorned bridges, and canals that create a romantic and enchanting atmosphere.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Musée Unterlinden
The Musée Unterlinden is one of the most important museums in the Alsace region. It houses a remarkable collection of art and artifacts, including the famous Isenheim Altarpiece, a masterpiece of Gothic art.
Museum
2-3 hours
€9 (free for under 18s and EU residents under 26)
Collégiale Saint-Martin
The Collégiale Saint-Martin is a beautiful Gothic church located in the heart of Colmar. The church features stunning stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and a rich history dating back to the 13th century.
Religious
30-45 minutes
Free (donations welcome)
Marché Couvert
The Marché Couvert is a covered market in Colmar offering a variety of local produce, cheeses, meats, and other regional specialties. It's a great place to sample Alsatian cuisine and shop for local products.
Market
30-60 minutes
Free to enter, prices vary by vendor
Musée Bartholdi
The Musée Bartholdi is dedicated to the life and work of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor who designed the Statue of Liberty. The museum is housed in Bartholdi's family home and features a collection of his sculptures, drawings, and personal artifacts.
Museum
1-2 hours
€6 (free for under 18s and EU residents under 26)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Choucroute Garnie
A traditional Alsatian dish made with sauerkraut, sausages, and various cuts of pork, often served with potatoes or bread.
Main Course
Contains pork and gluten
Tarte Flambée
A thin, crispy flatbread topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon. It's a popular dish in the Alsace region and is often served as an appetizer or a light meal.
Appetizer or Main Course
Contains gluten and dairy
Baeckeoffe
A hearty Alsatian casserole made with layers of marinated meat (usually pork, beef, and lamb), potatoes, onions, and vegetables, slow-cooked in a ceramic dish.
Main Course
Contains pork, beef, and lamb
Kougelhopf
A traditional Alsatian brioche-like cake made with raisins, almonds, and sometimes candied fruits. It's often served for breakfast or as a dessert.
Dessert
Contains gluten, dairy, and nuts
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Vosges Mountains
Biking through the Alsace countryside
Wine tasting in local vineyards
Boat tours on the canals
Visiting museums and historic sites
Attending local festivals and events
Swimming in nearby lakes
Skiing and snowboarding in the Vosges Mountains
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season in Colmar, with pleasant weather and numerous outdoor events. The town is vibrant with visitors, and the gardens and canals are in full bloom.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: French
- Widely spoken: Alsatian (dialect of German), English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Colmar is generally a safe destination for travelers. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded tourist areas, so it's important to be vigilant and keep valuables secure.
Important Precautions:
- • Be vigilant in crowded areas
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use metered taxis or agree on a price beforehand
Getting there
By air
- EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg • 65 km from Colmar
- Strasbourg Airport • 65 km from Colmar
By train
Colmar Station
By bus
Colmar Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus network in Colmar is efficient and covers most of the town. Buses are a convenient way to get around, especially for visitors staying outside the town center.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Taxi Colmar
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town
Neuf-Brisach
Turckheim
Day trips
Eguisheim
15 km from Colmar • Half day
Eguisheim is a charming medieval village known for its picturesque streets, historic architecture, and wine production. It's a great place to explore the Alsace wine region and enjoy the scenic countryside.
Riquewihr
20 km from Colmar • Half day
Riquewihr is a beautifully preserved medieval village known for its colorful half-timbered houses, narrow streets, and wine production. It's a great place to experience the charm of the Alsace region.
Strasbourg
65 km from Colmar • Full day
Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace region and a vibrant city with a rich history. It's known for its stunning architecture, including the Gothic cathedral, and its charming old town, La Petite France.
Festivals
Christmas Markets • Late November to late December
Fête de la Saint-Nicolas • Early December
Fête de la Musique • June 21
Pro tips
- Visit Petite Venise during the early morning or late afternoon for the best photos and fewer crowds.
- Try local specialties like choucroute garnie, tarte flambée, and baeckeoffe at traditional Alsatian restaurants.
- Take a boat tour of the canals to see the town from a different perspective.
- Explore the charming villages of the Alsace region, such as Eguisheim and Riquewihr, for a unique and authentic experience.
- Visit the Musée Unterlinden to see the famous Isenheim Altarpiece, a masterpiece of Gothic art.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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