Hello everyone. Today we’ve arrived in France. We’re in Colmar, a small but incredibly beautiful town. As soon as we arrived, we started exploring. Our journey began near the fountain dedicated to admiral Bruat and we walked towards the cathedral square. We admired a lady sitting by the fountain, whose style reminded us of ancient Greece.
Here there are larger sculptures too and the architecture is grand and impressive. Right in the middle of the fountain stands the statue of admiral Bruat, a renowned sailor. The surrounding sculptures depict sea-related themes, such as sailor figures and mermaids. Each statue tells a story connected to the sea.
As we wandered through the town, we came across historic buildings. I adored the ones that looked like gingerbread houses. They were so charming, like something out of a fairytale. There were also modern art pieces. We wondered how old these houses were, but unfortunately, there were no inscriptions indicating their age.
We stepped into a cheese shop where we found a cow statue and old-fashioned scales inside. Large wheels of cheese were on display. The streets were a bit empty today because the weather was windy and cold. That’s what coming to France is like. I noticed how stylishly the locals were dressed, such a distinctive sense of fashion.
In another cheese shop there was an even larger cow statue and a gigantic cheese wheel. They slice the cheeses and sell them in portions. Visitors can also sample them. The shops are beautifully designed, with stunning decorations. We’ve visited similar places before and tried some cheeses. While they can be quite expensive, certain types are delicious. They offer tastings for visitors and if you like what you try, you can buy it right away.
As we strolled between cafes, we even saw a camel used as decor. Everything here is so thoughtfully arranged. Ah, the details are so beautiful. It’s all so captivating. you can’t stop looking.
We love looking at old items and there’s an incredible variety of antiques here. Old dolls, hats… Even old books are available. This place is amazing. There are photo albums with inscriptions like Dad or Mom. Flipping through these old albums, we look at the people in the pictures and wonder what was different back then. They were just like us.No mobile phones, different fashions and different clothes. But they still had the same basic needs like eating and sleeping. Maybe they also enjoyed browsing antique shops. The items from their time might have been just like these. Everything here is so beautiful.
Colmar a settlement known since the 1st century, has a fascinating history of changing hands. Initially an independent city within the Holy Roman Empire, it became part of France after the Thirty years war in 1648. In 1871 Colmar was annexed by the German Empire but returned to France in 1918 after World War I. Even during these months flowers continue to bloom here, adding to the town's enchanting beauty.
One of Colmar’s most striking landmarks is Saint Martin's Collegiate church, one of the Upper Rhine region’s most important gothic structures. Located in the town square amidst gingerbread-style houses, cozy cafes and inviting restaurants, this magnificent building draws visitors from far and wide.
We stepped inside and were impressed by the serene yet majestic atmosphere. Once a cathedral this church dates back to the 13th century. It began as a small chapel built by Benedictine monks and was later transformed into the current collegiate church, constructed between the 13th and 14th centuries under the patronage of Bishop Heinrich Tuns of Basel with permission from Pope Gregory IX. The church was built using yellow sandstone quarried from the Colmar area.
Inside the tranquil ambiance is complemented by breathtaking stained glass windows that bathe the space in a warm, gentle light. Its high ceilings and spacious interiors are awe-inspiring. Visitors can light candles or simply admire the frescoes and sculptures, each a testament to the church's rich history. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a person of faith, this church is a must-see.
Saint Martin’s Collegiate church still serves as a parish church today. It briefly functioned as a cathedral during the French revolution. Its current structure completed between 1234 and 1365, is particularly renowned for the melodious chime of its bell tower. The bells music is considered among the most beautiful in France, not just in Alsace.
As we left the church, we found ourselves in Cathedral Square, surrounded by historic half-timbered houses and grand mansions. History feels alive here. These buildings seem to metaphorically reflect the human experience. Resilient yet filled with stories to tell.
We came across an old-style fountain with a lever mechanism. Turning the lever made water flow, such a charming and ingenious design. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, the festive atmosphere was palpable, with canals adorned with flowers and decorations adding to the romantic allure of the town.
Colmar is perfect for a family visit. Every shop is uniquely decorated and wandering the streets lets you breathe in the ambiance of these old homes. Though we don’t know their exact ages, their antiquity is evident. The streets were alive with a blend of languages, as Colmar is a favorite among tourists. Its authentic architecture, vibrant streets and unique charm draw an international crowd.
The historic city center comprises three districts and we eventually walked to the Tanners District. Preserved like a village within the city, this area features high, timber-framed houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. The homes have stone foundations and upper levels that extend outward with wooden beams. This design with some extensions protruding 30 to 40 centimeters, gives the impression that the houses are floating. It’s an architectural style that’s both fascinating and distinctive.
In the past many of Colmar’s houses were interconnected because they were built without basements, resting directly on stone foundations. This unique architectural detail provides a fascinating glimpse into the city’s history. As we wandered through the streets, we came across a house decorated with Olympic rings and colorful bicycle wheels, celebrating France’s hosting of this year’s Olympics.
The overhanging structures of the Tanner’s District homes once served a practical purpose: drying leather. Seeing traces of such ancient trades is captivating. Colmar’s picturesque atmosphere, with its fairy-tale-like houses, enchants every visitor. Known as the wine capital of Alsace, this title has been part of the town’s identity since the Middle ages. Colmar sits at the crossroads of several wine routes, hosting major wine fairs and historically distributing wines across Europe via its waterways.
Next we headed to Old Customs House Square to see the Lazare de Schwendi fountain. At the fountain’s center stands a statue of diplomat and general Lazare de Schwendi, holding a grapevine in his right hand. This work was created by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi the famed sculptor from Colmar, who also designed the Statue of Liberty. The monument commemorates a local legend: General Schwendi is said to have brought Tokaji grapevines from Hungary and planted them in Alsace, inspiring the region's Tokaji wine production. The fountain completed in 1898, adds an elegant charm to the square's architectural beauty.
During the Christmas season Colmar transforms into a magical wonderland. The town is meticulously decorated, blending traditional and modern elements. Houses are adorned with live and artificial flowers, hearts and other festive decorations, attracting visitors who pose for photos in front of them.
We discovered a gift shop on the ground floor of one beautifully decorated house, complete with a café and a sweet shop. The sweet shop offered a delightful array of candies, dried fruits and other treats, making it a paradise for both children and dessert lovers. For instance, dried fruits were priced at €29 per kilogram.
Colmar boasts monasteries an impressive theater, man-made canals and houses from the Middle ages. Although Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace region, Colmar holds the title of Capital of Alsatian Wine, a distinction it has carried since medieval times. Walking through Colmar’s streets during the holiday season is a joy. Locals admire dolls dressed in traditional French costumes and antique lamps, immersing themselves in the town’s rich traditions. Colmar’s enchanting ambiance and rich historical heritage captivate visitors time and again.
Finally we encountered the Pfister house, built in 1537 for Ludwig Scherrer, a wealthy hatter who made his fortune in silver trade. Despite its medieval features, this house is considered the first example of Renaissance architecture in Colmar. It features a two-story corner oriel, a wooden gallery, an octagonal turret and frescoes on its facade depicting Biblical scenes, allegories and portraits of German emperors. This house beautifully embodies Colmar's blend of history and artistry, a true jewel of the town.
The word Pfister means baker or bread maker in German. Therefore the name of the house is not based on the first owner's name but on the surname of the family who restored and lived in it during the 16th century. Today this historic structure is a symbol of the city's rich architectural heritage.
While exploring the narrow streets of Colmar we stumbled upon a museum dedicated to the renowned sculptor Bartholdi in a 16th-century house. Bartholdi is the creator of the globally recognized Statue of Liberty. In the museum's courtyard we saw a piece featuring three figures symbolizing Equality, Justice and Diligence. However, due to limited time we couldn’t explore the entire museum.
Colmar is the third-largest city in the Alsace region in terms of population. But it is often referred to as the most beautiful city. Around its corners there are tiny, fairy-tale-like houses with old windows, resembling something straight out of a storybook. It takes a lot of time to see every charming corner.
It was dinner time. So we began looking for a restaurant. We found one called Air Lunch. At the entrance we were greeted by two lion statues, designed to ward off evil spirits. Inside there were Chinese-style decorations, figures and a pond with koi fish. In Chinese culture koi fish symbolize health, happiness and wealth. The décor was very impressive. The ceiling resembled the sky and glowing spheres hung like stars.
The most striking feature of the restaurant was its rich buffet. There was something for every palate: meats, seafood, sides and desserts. For instance, exotic options like lamb, kangaroo and ostrich meat were available, as well as oysters, crabs, shrimp and even shark. The dishes, presented with luxurious flair, were delicious. It was also delightful to watch the chef prepare fresh dishes at the grill.
After the meal, everyone was very satisfied. Whether you love Asian cuisine or Mediterranean flavors, this restaurant offers an exceptional experience for every taste. You’re bound to find something that suits your palate. The restaurant visit amazed us with its variety and quality, which seemed to surpass the standards of such establishments. It was a true gastronomic experience. The abundance of dishes left us in awe. We were offered many types of cheese, while children were treated to various candies: caramels, lollipops, chocolate crisps and cookies. An absolute paradise for kids.
There was also an impressive variety of desserts for both children and adults. The abundance was overwhelming, making it impossible to count everything. There were preserved fruits, chocolate-covered fruits, fresh fruits, various pastries, fried sweets and exotic fruits.
The restaurant spanned a large area, with multiple halls and countless food stations. But what captivated us the most was its decoration. On one side a red dragon figure seemed to be flying, everything sparkled and there were white and dark chocolate waterfalls. Surrounded by all these vibrant and colorful details, it felt like an endless feast.
The restaurant's popularity appeared to attract a large crowd. While we selected food from the buffet, drinks were ordered through the staff and delivered to our table by robots, another unique feature of the restaurant. A robot brought our drinks, which we received with delight before sending the robot back to the reception.
The robot serving drinks accompanied by music was especially noteworthy. While the other robots moved silently, this one entertained with music, making it quite fun. We extend our thanks to this restaurant. The food was delicious and the variety was impressive. We wished we could try everything, but our stomachs are small and that just wasn’t possible. However, everything we tasted was wonderful. We paid only €24 per person.
This is how our day unfolded: we spent a fantastic day in the beautiful city of Colmar and ended it at a restaurant as delightful as the city itself. We hope you enjoyed sharing this experience with us. Thank you for reading. Please stay tuned, as the most exciting things are yet to come.
