The French town of Colmar, known as ‘Little Venice’, is a real life fairytale destination that is often overlooked by tourists but is a must-see in the summer
Boasting pastel-hued dwellings with sharply angled rooftops, stone-paved lanes, and breathtaking waterways adorned with flowers, the French settlement of Colmar resembles a fantasy brought to reality.
The warmer months cast an enchanting radiance across this quintessential Alsace community, as daylight dances upon the waters and colourful window frames bask in luminosity, conjuring an otherworldly ambience plucked from children’s literature.
Travel YouTuber, Project Gaia branded Colmar as the “most enchanting city in the world”, emphasising that whilst numerous travellers remain unaware of its existence, it represents an unmissable destination. The location has also secured prominent positions in compilations of the “prettiest towns around the world.” It comes after women claim ‘Our Jet2 holiday was ruined because we flew to the wrong Spanish island by mistake’.
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Frequently dubbed “Little Venice”, Colmar showcases an appealing waterway quarter bearing the identical moniker, reportedly serving as inspiration for Belle’s village in the beloved Beauty and the Beast motion picture, thus enhancing its distinctive storybook allure, reports the Express.
Whilst locations such as Paris and the French Riviera attract the largest summer throngs, Colmar provides a more peaceful, unhurried alternative. Exploring Colmar during the hotter periods ensures reduced masses, briefer waiting times, and greater opportunity to appreciate its distinctive appeal.
Tourists can take part in waterway excursions along the serene channels, meander through vibrant historic quarter thoroughfares, and enjoy outdoor dining at establishments offering Alsatian delicacies.
The destination additionally presents summer festivities, outdoor musical performances, and neighbourhood bazaars. Sample authentic specialities such as choucroute, tarte flambée, and Munster cheese in intimate wine bars, accompanied by Alsace’s renowned Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Muscat vintages.
Colmar boasts a magnificently preserved medieval centre and a heritage stretching back more than a millennium. Must-see attractions encompass the enchanting Petite Venise quarter, the Unterlinden Museum, and architectural gems including Maison Pfister and Saint Martin’s Church.
Fresh data released by INSEE, the French government’s statistical body, on 17 December 2024 revealed that Alsace tourism experienced a marked downturn last summer. The area witnessed 4.7% fewer overnight visits during summer 2024 when measured against its banner year of 2023. Breaking it down by department, Bas-Rhin registered a 4.3% fall, whilst Haut-Rhin – home to Colmar – plummeted by 5.2%.
Nevertheless, these statistics haven’t dampened Colmar’s appeal, with approximately 3.5 million visitors flocking there annually, according to the town’s official website.
Yet the bulk of these tourists descend during the Christmas season, with 1.5 million making the pilgrimage purely for the celebrated festive markets – making summer an ideal period to explore, offering breathing room and reduced crowds.
One TripAdvisor reviewer gushed about the town’s “Little Venice” quarter: “Great place to visit. I think during summer it should be even better.”
Another individual shared: “Little Venice was such a delight! It is such a charming area with beautiful cafes and streets to explore. We did a gondola ride down the canal and it was such a highlight!”