Colmar, the town of your dreams in France

Colmar is located in the northeast of France and it was founded in the 9th century. This was the location where the Carolingian Emperor Charles the Fat held a diet in 884. Colmar was granted the status of a free imperial city by Emperor Frederick II in 1226.

The old city center has several buildings as well as a number of old churches, among which is the collegiate church of St. Martin (XIII century) as the largest and most notable.Local artist Martin Schongauer painted what is considered his masterpiece, The Virgin of the Roses, in the Eglise des Dominicains (Dominican church). The famous Isemheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald is the treasure housed in the Museum of the City Unterlinden.

So now we’re going to enlist the most interesting places in Colmar, which you have to visit. Make sure to keep an eye out for dates painted onto the side of buildings. Some of the oldest date back to the 1300's.

• Colmar's old town is the main attraction if you come to Colmar. It is stunningly beautiful and well preserved. 

• Maison des Tetes (House of the Heads) - a Renaissance building decorated with faces, and the Pfister House, a marvelous old wooden house, one of the oldest in Colmar.

• Dominican Church worth visiting only because of a famous Schongauer painting. It costs 4.50 euros (2006) to get in. 

• St. Martin Church a large church entirely made of pink stone. 

• Unterlinden Museum. It is a most interesting museum situated in a medieval convent near the tourist information center. Entrance costs 7 euros (2010), but this includes an excellent audio guide for many of the paintings. 

• Bartholdi Museum. Dedicated to the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, who was native to Colmar. 

• Little Venice, enjoy this little corner of the city; with small canals reminiscent of Venice, Italy. 

• Bartholdi High School, near the Little Venice. Dating back to 1698, it is worth a sight. 

In addition in Colmar you also will find festivals such as “Colmar Wine Fair” and “International Music Festival of Colmar”

The Colmar Wine Fair is a unique concept at the height of summer. Over 300 exhibitors invite you to taste their delicious vintages each year, but there is also a series of fantastic concerts for the pleasure of one and all.

The International Music Festival of Colmar was quoted by the New York Times as being among the top 10 festivals in Europe since 1994, the International Music Festival in Colmar pays homage to a particular musician, instrument, country or culture each year. A great opportunity to rediscover classical music!

Writting by Jaquie & 

Charly