Colmar

Colmar 

Colmar France is one of the most picture perfect fairytale towns in Europe. Colmar is a town in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, near the border with Germany. Its old town has cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings. The Gothic 13th-century, Eglise Saint-Martin church stands on central Place de la Cathédrale.

The city is on the Alsace Wine Route, and local vineyards specialize in Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines. Colmar is so pretty that it doesn’t feel real. Cobblestone streets run next to canals lined with half-timbered houses in shades of rose, sky blue, lemon, peppermint, and apricot, many dating back to the 14th century. The olde worlde buildings are distinctly Germanic, but they feature elegant French shutters.

It can be hard to remember you’re in France, but locals speak French and the bakeries are full of croissants and pain au chocolat. The centre is full of classy boutiques and shops selling local gourmet products—white wine, cheese, sausages, chocolates, salted caramels, jars of sauerkraut, and bretzels (salty or sweet pretzels). The covered market is a good place to pick up picnic supplies.