Colmar Old Town and Petite Venise
Colmar, France
A compact old town of half-timbered houses and canals along the Lauch, with a quarter nicknamed Little Venice. Walk it at dusk, then try a tarte flambée in a nearby winstub.
After Strasbourg and Mulhouse, Colmar is the third-largest town in Alsace, and it lies on the Alsace Wine Route. The old town came through the wars of the 20th century largely unscathed and is therefore known for its half-timbered houses. The "Petite Venise" quarter is crossed by canals of the River Lauch and was once the quarter of butchers, tanners and fishermen. Notable buildings include the Maison Pfister (1537), the Maison des Têtes (1609) and the Gothic Koïfhus of 1480.
The Musée Unterlinden holds the Isenheim Altarpiece, and the Musée Bartholdi is in the birthplace of the creator of the Statue of Liberty. The old town is compact and easy to explore on foot; allow half a day to a full day for a walk and a museum visit. With only around 600 mm of rain a year, Colmar is one of the driest towns in France, which benefits the vineyards. The lanes are usually quieter in the evening.
- Nearest town
- Colmar, France
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 48.0735, 7.3566
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping de l'IllCampsite2 km from Colmar Old Town and Petite VeniseTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Aire de camping-cars d'EguisheimMotorhome stopover5 km from Colmar Old Town and Petite Venise · 33 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping des Trois ChâteauxCampsite5 km from Colmar Old Town and Petite VeniseTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping le MédiévalCampsite6 km from Colmar Old Town and Petite VeniseTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Aire de camping-cars – Domaine Denis MeyerMotorhome stopover8 km from Colmar Old Town and Petite Venise · 4 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-FiFree
- Aire de camping-cars de Trois-ÉpisMotorhome stopover10 km from Colmar Old Town and Petite VeniseMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsFree
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Colmar Old Town and Petite Venise?
Colmar Old Town and Petite Venise is in Colmar, France, at GPS 48.0735, 7.3566. It is about 5 km from Eguisheim.
Can you camp near Colmar Old Town and Petite Venise?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Aire de Stationnement - Port de Plaisance de Colmar, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 97 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Colmar Old Town and Petite Venise?
Places worth a stop nearby: Eguisheim (5 km), Riquewihr (11 km), Haut-Kœnigsbourg (20 km) and Hohneck (25 km).
When is the best time to visit Colmar Old Town and Petite Venise?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)