Explore the prototype of Hayao Miyazaki’s “Howl’s Moving Castle” and enjoy this dreamy town in one day!
Have you ever fantasized about stepping into a fairy tale world? Colmar, the most beautiful town in France, is just such a place! Here, the colorful half-timboned houses, the meandering canals and the ancient stone-paved roads seem like scenes stepping out of Hayao Miyazaki’s “Howl’s Moving Castle”. Colmar is not only a pearl of the Alsace region, but also a convergence point of history and culture. Today, this article will take you to experience the unique charm of this small town!
Fontaine Roesselmann (Roesselmann Fountain
Our first stop is the Roselmann Fountain, which is one of the iconic attractions in Colmar! This fountain was built in 1888 in memory of Jean Roesselmann, the mayor of Colmar in the 13th century. In order to protect Colmar’s independence, he bravely fought against the hostile forces and eventually sacrificed himself. The statues on the fountain are so lifelike that they seem to be telling us about that heroic history.
Did you know? Roselmann’s story was also written into local legends and became a hero in the hearts of the people of Colmar. The small square around the fountain is an excellent spot for taking photos. Especially when the morning sunlight falls on the fountain, it’s simply breathtaking!
Travel Guide to colmar, the Most Beautiful Town in france- france-visit-colmar
Of course, in recent years, this landmark has gone viral also because it was the filming location for the second season of “The Chinese Restaurant”. Even if you haven’t watched this variety show, you can still take a photo here as a souvenir! Post it on Moments to make everyone envious!
- Quai de la Poissonnerie Colmar (Colmar Fish Market Pier)
Next, we arrived at the Colmar Fish Market Pier. This place is one of the historical centers of Colmar! As early as the Middle Ages, this place was where fishermen sold fish. Although there is no longer a fish market here nowadays, those colorful half-timbered houses still retain their original appearance.
Walking along the pier, you will feel a peaceful and romantic atmosphere. The river flows gently, and the houses on both banks are reflected in the water, as if it were a beautiful oil painting. This place has also served as the filming location for many movies and TV series. For instance, the inspiration for “Howl’s Moving Castle” came from these beautiful buildings in Colmar. Imagine that the master Hayao Miyazaki once sought inspiration here. Isn’t it particularly magical?
- Petite Venise Colmar (Little Venice
Just two more steps and you’ll arrive at Colmar’s “Little Venice”! This is the most romantic place in Colmar, without a doubt! Little Venice gets its name from its charming canals and the beautiful houses on both banks, as if one were in Venice, Italy. The houses here are colorful and each one has its own unique story.
Did you know? The history of Little Venice can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when it was the trading center of Colmar. The once busy boats on the canal have now been replaced by cruise ships. You can choose to take a cruise and leisurely enjoy the beautiful scenery on both banks. Especially at dusk, the afterglow of the setting sun falls on the water surface, and the entire Little Venice seems to be gilded with a layer of gold, so romantic that it intoxicates the heart.
- Brasserie des Tanneurs (Beer House for Tanners)
Tired from walking? Then come and take a break at the tannery Workers’ Beer House! This beer house is one of the most famous restaurants in Colmar. It not only has a long history but also offers authentic Alsatian cuisine. The signature dish here is Choucroute stewed with meat and sauerkraut. Paired with a cold beer, it’s definitely a great treat in summer!
The beer house itself is also a major attraction. It retains the style of the 16th century. The wooden structure and ancient decorations make people feel as if they have traveled back in time. Here, you can not only enjoy delicious food but also experience the historical atmosphere of Colmar. Don’t forget to order a local beer, toast with your friends and enjoy this wonderful time!
- Vieille ville de Colmar
Next, we arrived at the old town of Colmar. This is the heart of Colmar, brimming with the atmosphere of history and culture. The streets of the old town are narrow and winding, and the houses on both sides are colorful, as if one has stepped into a fairy tale world.
The architectural styles of the old town are diverse, ranging from Gothic to Renaissance, and each building has its own unique story. Walking along the streets of the old town, you will feel a sense of time reversal, as if you have returned to the Middle Ages. This place is also a source of inspiration for many artists and writers. For instance, the renowned French writer Alphonse Daudet once sought creative inspiration here.
- Maison Pfister
The Pfister House is one of the most famous buildings in Colmar. It was built in 1537 and is a masterpiece of the Renaissance. The exterior walls of this house are decorated with exquisite murals and carvings, telling biblical stories and historical events. The Pfister House is not only a landmark of Colmar but also one of the most beautiful houses in the Alsace region. Of course, it is also the inspiration for the place where the male and female leads first met in “Howl’s Moving Castle”!
Did you know? Pfister House was once the residence of a wealthy merchant and later became a cultural symbol of Colmar. Nowadays, this place is a bookstore and a cafe. You can buy a book about Colmar here or sit down for a cup of coffee and experience the charm of this ancient building.
- Collegiale Saint-Martin de Colmar
St. Martin’s Church is one of the most important religious buildings in Colmar. It was built in the 13th century and is a model of Gothic architecture. The spire of the church soars into the clouds, as if paying tribute to the sky. The interior of the church is elaborately decorated, with stained glass Windows and sculptures that are dazzling to the eyes.
St. Martin’s Church is not only a venue for religious activities but also a part of Colmar’s history. The basement of the church was once a refuge for the citizens of Colmar, protecting countless lives during wars and disasters. Today, the church remains the cultural and religious center of Colmar, attracting many tourists every year to visit and pray.
- Musee Bartholdi (Bartholdi Museum)
The Bartholdi Museum was established in memory of the renowned French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. Bartholdi’s most famous work is the Statue of Liberty in New York, and this museum showcases many of his other works and life stories.
The museum is located in Bartoldi’s former residence. Here, you can see the original appearance of his studio and learn about his creative process. The exhibits in the museum include sculptures, paintings and manuscripts, each brimming with an artistic atmosphere. If you are an art lover, this place is definitely not to be missed!
- Rue des Clefs (Key Street)
Key Street is one of the oldest streets in Colmar, brimming with a historical atmosphere. The houses on both sides of the street are well-preserved, and each one has its own unique story. The name of Key Street originated from the Middle Ages, when it was the commercial center of Colmar, where many merchants and artisans lived and worked.
Walking along Key Street, you will feel a sense of time reversal, as if you have returned to the Middle Ages. The shops and cafes on the street still retain their ancient style. You can buy some local handicrafts here or sit down for a cup of coffee and enjoy this wonderful time.
- Musee Unterlinden (Museum of Unterlinden
Finally, we arrived at the Antlinden Museum. This museum is one of the most important cultural institutions in Colmar, housing a large number of artworks and historical relics. The museum building itself is also a major attraction. It is a 13th-century convent, well-preserved and brimming with historical atmosphere.
The museum’s exhibits include medieval artworks, Renaissance paintings and sculptures, as well as modern artworks. Among the most famous exhibits is Grunewald’s “Isenheim Altarpiece”, which is regarded as one of the most important works of the Renaissance. If you are an art lover, this place is definitely not to be missed!
Alright, this is our one-day tour guide for Colmar today! I hope you enjoy this journey full of history, culture and delicious food. Colmar is not only a beautiful town, but also a place full of stories and inspirations. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover or a gourmet, all your expectations can be fulfilled here. See you next time! Remember to bring your camera and a good mood to Colmar to experience this unique charm together!