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Take a trip with us from Paris down to Colmar. I visited this place about a year ago and I am still dreaming about it. The train ride is just under 3 hours; perfect to catch up on some sleep and regulate the jet lag. Colmar, France is a charming town that makes you feel like you just stepped off the pages of a real life fairytale book. Its historic center, "Petite Venise" (Little Venice), offers a romantic ambiance with flower-filled window boxes and quaint bridges.
Planning a trip to Colmar is simple for a day visit, but it becomes even more enchanting if you choose to stay overnight. While many tourists opt for a day trip, the town tends to be busier during the day, leaving the mornings and evenings wonderfully quiet or filled with locals.
Here is our itinerary:
Day 1:
-Arrived in Colmar @12pm.
-Our adventure began with a charming boat ride through the picturesque canals of Little Venice, Colmar, France. This boat ride was perfect for our little family. Little Venice is known for its romantic and fairytale-like atmosphere, making it a popular destination for couples and anyone seeking a beautiful and memorable experience.
-After enjoying a boat ride, we strolled through the charming streets of "Petite Venise" in Colmar. Reflecting its past as part of Germany, Colmar showcases a rich heritage of German-influenced architecture and a delectable array of German-inspired dishes. We grabbed some fresh Bretzels (delicious!) and stopped at a German-like pub.
MUST SEE: Schwendi Fountain- This is the fountain that inspired the one in Beauty and the Beast.
-After a relaxing bite to eat, we hopped on a self-guided train tour. This train takes you through the heart of the town and doubles a tour guide. Our daughter loved being on the train and we were able to listen to the history that surrounds the town.
-The town boasts a variety of playgrounds, bustling with children having a great time. My daughter particularly enjoyed mingling with different kids and, most importantly, playing.
Day 2:
๐ธThe best time to take pictures is early in the morning. We headed back to โPetite Veniceโ and the Schwendi Fountain to snap a few pictures without any tourists.
-International hotels typically offer a continental breakfast. This is an easy way to save a little extra and grab breakfast and a few snacks for the day.
-After breakfast we took our daughter to ๐ Square de la Montagne Verte (playground) to get some of her energy out.
-We found The Marchรฉ Couvert de Colmar (Colmar Covered Market) is a vibrant and bustling indoor market located in the heart of Colmar, France. It's a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a wide array of fresh, local products and a lively atmosphere. I grabbed a cappuccino and a bretzel.
- Before we headed back into the city, we visited one of the many Gothic Churches in the Alsace region, St. Martin's Collegiate Church โช๏ธ. The church was built between 1235 and 1365 and has a 13th century head of Christ.
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We stayed at Hotel Colmar and payed โฌ80. It. was less than a 5 minute walk from the train and a 15 minute walk to โPetite Venise.โ
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The best time to take pictures is early in the morning. We headed back to โPetite Veniceโ and the Schwendi Fountain to snap a few pictures without any tourists.
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Secure your tickets early! Starting at $40 one way, prices increase significantly as your travel date approaches, sometimes reaching $80-100. I typically purchase my train tickets through omio or rail europe.
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TIP: For our trip, we maintained our Paris hotel reservation while adding an extra night in Colmar. To simplify travel with our toddler, we packed light, using only overnight bags (backpacks).