Last Updated on November 15, 2023
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
After arriving in Colmar France, many travelers are amazed when they first see the city. It’s an ancient city where you find a Gothic 13th-century church in an old town of cobblestone streets, most of them lined with half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings. It’s one of the prettiest towns in Alsace, and in neighboring Germany just a short way away. It’s one of the best places to visit in France.
The Alsace lies on the plain between the Rhine River and the Vosges Mountains in eastern/northeastern France. It is more Germanic than French regarding its heritage, culture, and cuisine. Its villages of brightly painted, half-timbered, steep-roofed houses, especially like those in Colmar, make it unlike any other region in France.
Although the population speaks French in Colmar, a majority does it with a decidedly German accent. The cuisine is a blend of French and German (with such dishes as pork and sauerkraut being regional specialties), and many of the towns in the region have German names.
The region’s capital, Strasbourg, is the headquarters of the European Parliament. It has more of a feel of a central European city than a French one. Its historic center contains a magnificent Gothic cathedral, one of the most visited in France.
The Alsatian city of Mulhouse is a manufacturing center. Among its several sites worth visiting are the French National Railroad Museum, the Cité de l’Automobile and a car museum that contains the world’s largest collection of Bugatti’s.
In addition to its decidedly German-style cuisine, the Alsace is popular for its Muenster cheese, white wines and Kronenbourg beer.
And if you’re ever in the Alsace, don’t miss beautiful Colmar.
Thank you for the wonderful video of Colmar! I am visiting for the first time this autumn.
You’re welcome Bonnie. It’s a lovely town that I think would be great in autumn.
Wishing to visit Egypt and perhap go on a Safari in Africa while we are over there.
Will you be doing any special presentations on that area of the world?
Thanks.
Hi Sue,
Although I’ve been to Egypt years ago,I haven’t done anything on the country for NST. I’ve been meaning to get back there for years now but haven’t quite made it yet — although it is a fascinating country. We have run several safari articles, however. See https://www.neverstoptraveling.com/safari-kenya-tanzania, https://www.neverstoptraveling.com/africas-top-10-safari-camps, https://www.neverstoptraveling.com/tanzania-great-wildlife-experience, and https://www.neverstoptraveling.com/finding-cute-in-the-african-bush.
I hope they’ll be of help.
Jim
Alsace is one of my most favorite regions to visit in France —- especially when cruising the Rhine!
Hi Jim,
Always wanted to go to the Alsace Wine Fair in Colmar. It’s July 24 to August 2, 2020. But doubt if I’ll make it this year. With a setting like Colmar, it has to be fun.
Cheers – Stan
Hi Stan,
Yes, Colmar is a great place to visit. I’d love to go back. Didn’t know they have a wine fair though.
Jim
There is no video available on the picture?
Thank you for bringing this to my attention. You can view the video now since the problem has been fixed.