Follow the vin: Colmar is the wine capital of Alsace
If it's quaint cobbled streets and medieval charm you want, you've come to the right place. Close to the border of Germany in the Alsace region of France, Colmar is famous for the 3 Ws—wine, wine, and more wine. Nestled among vineyards, a Colmar vacation rental is the perfect base for exploring the Alsace wine region. Visit the famous Bartholdi Museum, which focuses on Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the artist who designed the Statue of Liberty in New York. If you have kids in tow, they'll love exploring the fascinating Toy Museum housed in a former movie theater. Cap your day with a snifter of the local vin.
Liberty brings a touch of NYC to the Alsace region
This small country town in France has many connections to its American cousins. Local man Frederic Auguste Bartholdi famously designed the Statue of Liberty in New York. The Bartholdi Museum is housed in the artist's former home and explores his life and work. Don't miss the original model of Liberty, which stands proudly in the gallery. Another must-see, especially for kids, is the Colmar Toy Museum. Housed in a former movie theater, it takes a fascinating look into the history of toys and features everything, from vintage teddy bears to the original Barbie dolls.
Get sassy in Alsace—Colmar has all the charm
Colmar is famous for its medieval half-timbered buildings and cobbled streets, so there's nothing nicer than exploring the quirky nooks and alleys of its 1,000-year-old center. Browse the dozens of gift shops, chic boutiques, and buzzy food markets or take a guided tour around the town's many Renaissance-style museums. A Colmar vacation rental makes an ideal base for exploring the famous Alsace wine route (and sampling the wines, of course). And you certainly won't go hungry with some hearty Alsatian cuisine in Colmar's many restaurants.
Twinkle, twinkle little star, Colmar's pretty as a picture
Colmar's strategic position means it benefits from the best of the weather from Germany, Switzerland, and France. While it sees significant rainfall throughout the year (perfect for vineyards), it still has plenty of sunshine and dry days. For the best weather, visit in the warm summer months, when temperatures can reach 80 degrees, although this draws the crowds, and Colmar vacation rentals can get booked up well in advance. Fall is another good time to visit, when the wine harvest brings a buzz to the area. Days are usually dry but cool, so bring a light jacket for the evenings. In winter, the temperature drops further, but the town's frosty twinkle is as pretty as a picture.
Go wild in the country—Colmar's natural attraction
Colmar lies close to the borders of Switzerland and Germany. A 25-minute drive from this Alsatian town is the Ballons des Vosges Natural Regional Park, France's largest park. Jam-packed with hundreds of miles of hiking trails, lush woodland, and wildlife, it attracts both outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. A Colmar vacation rental makes a great base to explore the park. Spot wildlife, including peregrine falcon and lynx, or relax in a natural thermal bath. And if neither floats your boat, then maybe the many ski resorts and cross-country trails in the Vosges Mountains will.
Transportation options to and around Colmar
Fly into Strasbourg (SXB-Strasbourg Intl.), the closest airport, located 34.5 mi (55.5 km) from the city center.
If you're traveling by train, Colmar Saint-Joseph Station, Colmar Station and Colmar-Mésanges Station are the main stations in the city.
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