10 Things to Do in Colmar, a Real-Life Inspiration for Ghibli Studio

Discover 10 magical things to do in Colmar, France, from Little Venice and Maison Pfister to the streets that inspired Howl’s Moving Castle.

Colmar is one of those places I would never hesitate to visit again and again. I have visited the town twice: once in February 2019 and most recently in July 2026. Although both trips took place in completely different seasons, Colmar felt magical each time.

The first time I heard about Colmar was through Howl’s Moving Castle. I watched the Studio Ghibli movie many years ago and immediately fell in love with the town in which the story took place. Its colourful houses, sloping roofs and romantic European streets looked almost too beautiful to exist in real life.

After searching for the inspiration behind the film, I learned about Colmar and the surrounding Alsatian towns. Hayao Miyazaki travelled to Colmar and nearby Riquewihr to study their architecture and surroundings while developing the setting for the movie.

Soon after moving to Europe for my master’s degree, I decided that I had to see Colmar for myself. I used the free time after my first-semester exams to make the trip in February 2019.

A few months earlier, Strasbourg had experienced the Christmas market attack in December 2018. I remember feeling slightly worried about travelling to the region, but I also believed that security would have been strengthened after the incident.

When I finally arrived, Colmar was just as beautiful as I had imagined. My second visit in July 2026 was even more colourful. Flowers decorated windows, bridges and canal railings, making the town feel more romantic and even closer to a fairy tale.

Why Visit Colmar?

Colmar is known for its preserved historic centre, canals, colourful half-timbered houses and distinctive blend of French and German influences. The town is small enough to explore on foot, yet almost every street contains an architectural detail, flower-covered balcony or beautiful corner worth stopping for.

The architecture is what makes Colmar unforgettable to me. The narrow façades, exposed wooden beams, pastel colours and steep roofs give the town an identity that is completely its own.

Colmar is often called “Little Venice” because of the canals running through part of its historic centre. However, having visited Venice before Colmar, I do not think the comparison is necessary.

Colmar is Colmar. Its architecture and atmosphere are very different from Venice, and each city has its own beauty. The nickname may help describe the canals, but Colmar does not need to be presented as a smaller version of somewhere else.

The official Colmar tourist trail covers around 6.1 kilometres and connects many of the town’s major historic buildings and neighbourhoods. However, you do not need to follow the entire route to enjoy the town. Wandering without a strict plan is one of the best ways to discover its quieter streets and unexpected viewpoints.

How to Get to Colmar

Colmar is in the Alsace region of northeastern France, between Strasbourg and Mulhouse and relatively close to both Germany and Switzerland. Its location makes it an easy addition to a longer trip through Alsace, the Black Forest or northern Switzerland.

The easiest way to reach Colmar without a car is by train. The town has direct or convenient railway connections with Strasbourg, Mulhouse and Basel, while travellers coming from Paris can normally reach Colmar using a direct train or a connection in Strasbourg.

From Colmar railway station, you can walk toward the historic centre. The route is straightforward, and once you reach the Old Town, almost all of the main attractions are within walking distance of one another.

Driving is more useful when Colmar is part of an Alsace road trip. A car makes it easier to combine the town with places such as Eguisheim, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg and Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg.

However, you will not need a car while exploring central Colmar. Much of the historic centre is pedestrian-friendly, and walking is the best way to appreciate its small architectural details.

Where to Stay in Colmar

The historic Old Town is the most convenient area for a first visit. Staying here places you close to Maison Pfister, Saint-Martin Church, the Koïfhus and many of Colmar’s most attractive streets.

The Petite Venise area is another atmospheric option. It is particularly beautiful in the early morning and evening, when the daytime groups have left and the canals become quieter.

Staying near the railway station can be practical for a short visit or an early departure. The station area is less picturesque than the Old Town, but the historic centre is still accessible on foot.

Because Colmar is compact, the exact neighbourhood is less important than it would be in a larger city. Choose accommodation within or close to the centre, and you should be able to explore most attractions without using public transport.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Colmar?

My two visits showed me two very different sides of Colmar.

In winter, the town feels calm and atmospheric. The bare trees, colder weather and quieter streets give the historic buildings a more subdued appearance. During the Christmas season, Colmar becomes famous for its lights, decorations and Christmas markets, although this is also one of the busiest times of year.

Summer brings another type of magic. During my July 2026 visit, flowers seemed to cover the entire town. They appeared on bridges, balconies, façades and along the canals, adding even more colour to the already bright houses.

July and August are beautiful but busy. Visiting early in the morning is the best way to photograph popular places such as Petite Venise and Quai de la Poissonnerie before the largest tour groups arrive.

Spring is a good choice for pleasant walking weather and seasonal flowers, while early autumn combines mild temperatures with the atmosphere of the Alsace wine season.

Top Things to Do in Colmar

1. See the Famous Little Venice Corner

Petite Venise, or Little Venice, is Colmar’s most recognisable neighbourhood. It follows part of the Lauch River in the southeastern section of the historic centre, where rows of traditional houses stand beside the water.

The classic viewpoint is near Rue de Turenne. From the bridge, you can see colourful half-timbered houses lining the canal, often surrounded by flower-filled railings in summer.

This is one of the busiest photography locations in Colmar. Arrive early in the morning for clearer views, softer light and fewer people waiting to take pictures from the bridge.

You can also take a short boat ride through the canals. The boats are small and provide a different perspective of the houses, gardens and waterside façades.

Although the district is called Little Venice, I prefer to enjoy it without comparing it to Venice. Colmar’s canal area has a smaller, more intimate character, surrounded by unmistakably Alsatian architecture.

2. Stop at the Bridge by Rue des Tanneurs

The area around Rue des Tanneurs is one of my favourite places to stop for photographs. The bridge near the covered market provides a beautiful view of the canal, waterside buildings and floral decorations.

The surrounding Tanners’ District was historically occupied by families involved in leather production. Its tall, narrow houses date mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries, with upper levels once used to dry prepared hides.

Today, the area feels peaceful and picturesque. The combination of water, old façades and small reflections in the canal makes it especially attractive in the morning.

Do not photograph only from the centre of the bridge. Walk a little farther in both directions, as the angles toward the market and the neighbouring streets create very different compositions.

3. Visit Marché Couvert Colmar

Marché Couvert is Colmar’s historic covered market, located beside the canal on Rue des Tanneurs. The brick-and-metal building was established in 1865 and eventually returned to its original role as a permanent market hall.

Inside, local vendors sell fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat, baked goods and other regional products. It is a good place to take a break from sightseeing and look for something simple to eat.

The market is not only useful for food. Its position beside the water makes it part of one of Colmar’s most photogenic architectural scenes.

Walk around the outside of the building before entering. One side faces the street, while the canal-facing side provides a much prettier view and connects naturally with the route toward Petite Venise.

4. Walk Along Quai de la Poissonnerie

Quai de la Poissonnerie is another place where Colmar looks like a scene from an illustrated storybook. Colourful houses stand closely together beside the river, with flower boxes and reflections adding even more colour during summer.

The district was traditionally home to Colmar’s fishermen and boatmen. Its connection to the river can still be seen in the arrangement of the houses along the canal.

The quay connects naturally with Petite Venise, but it deserves time of its own. Instead of walking through quickly, stop to look back in both directions because the view changes as the canal bends.

This was one of the places where the difference between my winter and summer trips was most obvious. In February, the muted colours and quiet water created a peaceful atmosphere. In July, the flowers made the same street feel much brighter and more romantic.

5. Find Maison Pfister

Maison Pfister is one of the most distinctive buildings in Colmar and an essential stop for anyone interested in the town’s architecture.

Built in 1537, the house combines medieval characteristics with Renaissance elements and is considered the first example of architectural Renaissance design in Colmar. Its wooden gallery, corner oriel, painted façade and steep roof make it immediately recognisable.

For fans of Howl’s Moving Castle, this part of Colmar may feel particularly familiar. The building and surrounding streets are often associated with the architectural references visible in the movie.

Maison Pfister is at 11 Rue des Marchands, although the official tourist trail map identifies the historic façade from the Rue des Marchands area. It is an exterior attraction, so you only need a few minutes to admire it, but you may spend much longer studying or photographing its details.

Because the street is narrow, taking a full photograph of the building can be difficult when it is crowded. A wide-angle lens or vertical composition works well here.

6. Explore Rue des Marchands

Rue des Marchands is one of the most beautiful streets in Colmar’s historic centre. It is lined with old houses, small shops, decorative signs and façades representing different periods of the town’s history.

Maison Pfister is the most famous building on the street, but it should not be the only thing you notice. Look upward at the roofs, timber frames, carved details and painted walls.

Fans of Howl’s Moving Castle will probably recognise the general atmosphere more than one exact building. The film’s town was not copied directly from a single Colmar street, but the combination of narrow lanes, colourful façades and layered rooftops creates an unmistakable connection.

Walk slowly from Rue des Marchands toward Place de la Cathédrale and Place de l’Ancienne Douane. This short route passes through some of the most architecturally interesting parts of central Colmar.

7. See the Koïfhus and Place de l’Ancienne Douane

The Koïfhus, also called the Ancienne Douane or Old Customs House, stands at one of the busiest historic intersections in Colmar.

The present building was completed in 1480 and is considered the oldest public building in the town. Its ground floor historically served as a warehouse, market and customs area, reflecting Colmar’s role in regional trade.

The colourful tiled roof is one of its most noticeable features. The building looks especially attractive when viewed from Place de l’Ancienne Douane, where its façade can be seen together with the Schwendi Fountain and surrounding houses.

This square is a good place to pause because several major streets meet nearby. From here, you can easily continue toward the Tanners’ District, Maison Pfister, Saint-Martin Church or Grand Rue.

8. Visit Saint-Martin Collegiate Church

Saint-Martin Collegiate Church dominates Place de la Cathédrale and is one of Colmar’s most important religious buildings.

Construction took place between 1235 and 1365, creating a major example of Gothic architecture in Alsace. Although it is commonly called the cathedral by local residents and visitors, it is officially a collegiate church.

The exterior is built partly from warm-toned sandstone, which can appear pink, orange or brown depending on the light. Its scale creates a strong contrast with the smaller half-timbered houses nearby.

Walk around the entire building rather than viewing only the main entrance. The surrounding square also contains the former Guardhouse and several historic façades, making it one of the best areas for appreciating Colmar’s architectural layers.

9. Admire Maison des Têtes

Maison des Têtes, or the House of Heads, is one of Colmar’s most unusual Renaissance buildings.

The house was constructed in 1609 and takes its name from the 105 sculpted masks and faces decorating its façade. A statue created by Auguste Bartholdi, the Colmar-born sculptor who designed the Statue of Liberty, crowns the building.

The details can be easy to miss if you pass too quickly. Stand across the street and look carefully at the windows, oriel and sculpted faces spread across the façade.

Maison des Têtes is close to the Unterlinden Museum, so it fits easily into a walking route through the northern side of the Old Town.

10. Visit the Unterlinden Museum

The Unterlinden Museum is one of the best places to visit in Colmar when you want to understand more about the region’s art and history.

Its collections cover archaeology, medieval and Renaissance art, decorative objects, 19th-century works and modern art. The museum’s best-known masterpiece is the Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald and Nikolaus Hagenauer.

The museum occupies a former convent as well as a modern extension. This mix of historical and contemporary architecture makes the building itself part of the experience.

Allow at least a couple of hours when visiting the main collections. The museum is normally closed on Tuesdays, but opening schedules can change, so check its official website before your trip.

How Many Days Do You Need in Colmar?

One full day is enough to see Colmar’s main outdoor attractions. Because the historic centre is compact, you can walk between Petite Venise, Rue des Tanneurs, Maison Pfister, the Koïfhus and Saint-Martin Church without needing transport.

However, I recommend spending two days when possible. A second day allows you to visit the Unterlinden Museum, enjoy the streets early in the morning and slow down instead of moving constantly between photography locations.

Two days are also useful when Colmar is your base for exploring Alsace. You could spend one day in the town and use the second for nearby villages such as Eguisheim, Riquewihr or Kaysersberg.

Suggested Two-Day Colmar Itinerary

Day 1: Colmar’s Canals and Historic Centre

Begin early at the classic Petite Venise viewpoint on Rue de Turenne. Walk along the canal toward Quai de la Poissonnerie before the area becomes crowded.

Continue to Marché Couvert and stop at the bridge near Rue des Tanneurs. After visiting the market, explore the Tanners’ District and walk toward Place de l’Ancienne Douane.

See the Koïfhus and Schwendi Fountain before continuing along Rue des Marchands. Stop at Maison Pfister and spend time exploring the surrounding streets.

Finish the afternoon around Saint-Martin Collegiate Church. In the evening, return to Petite Venise to see how the canal area changes in softer light.

Day 2: Architecture, Art and Slower Exploration

Start around Maison des Têtes before visiting the Unterlinden Museum. Give yourself enough time to see the Isenheim Altarpiece and the museum’s wider collections.

After the museum, wander through the northern part of the Old Town without following a strict route. Return to any locations that were too busy on the first day or take a canal boat ride through Petite Venise.

You can also use the afternoon for a short trip to a nearby Alsatian village. Eguisheim is one of the closest choices, while Riquewihr and Kaysersberg work well when you have a car or suitable transport connection.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Colmar

Colmar is one of the most beautiful small towns I have visited in Europe. Its architecture is breathtaking, but what makes it special is how many different details come together within such a compact area.

My winter visit introduced me to its quiet streets and storybook buildings. Returning in July showed me an even more colourful version of the town, decorated with flowers and filled with summer light.

The connection with Howl’s Moving Castle made me curious about Colmar, but the real town has an identity far beyond the movie. It is not simply a Studio Ghibli destination, and it is not a smaller version of Venice.

Colmar is Colmar. It has its own architecture, history and atmosphere, and that is exactly why it is a city I would gladly visit again and again.

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