Colmar’s Little Venice: A Charming Alsatian Escape Just Outside Strasbourg
Visiting Alsace for business and thinking of extending your stay over the weekend? Or perhaps you're planning a romantic getaway or a family break? Strasbourg is the perfect base for exploring the region, with plenty of picturesque destinations within easy reach. One of the most popular is Colmar and its iconic Little Venice district. With its tranquil canals, colourful half-timbered houses and postcard-worthy scenery, it's one of the region's must-see attractions. If you're looking to explore Alsace at your own pace, discover our residences in Strasbourg. Nemea Appart'Hotel offers fully equipped accommodation, giving you the freedom and comfort to enjoy your stay exactly as you wish.
What Makes Colmar's Little Venice So Special?
Little Venice is the best-known district in Colmar's historic centre, famous for its peaceful canals and beautifully preserved traditional Alsatian houses lining the waterfront.
Historically, the area stretching from the Covered Market to the Fishmongers' Quay was home to local market gardeners, winegrowers and boatmen. The River Lauch was once used to transport fresh produce directly to the town market by boat, giving the neighbourhood its unmistakably Venetian character—and ultimately its name.
Today, visitors can experience Little Venice from the water aboard traditional flat-bottomed boats. The guided cruises last around 30 minutes and provide a unique perspective of the historic buildings and charming canals.
Top Attractions to See in Little Venice
Make sure these three highlights are on your walking itinerary:
- The Tanners' Bridge - The area's most photographed viewpoint, where the colourful half-timbered houses are perfectly reflected in the canal.
- Fishmongers' Quay - One of Colmar's most picturesque streets, lined with brightly painted historic houses once occupied by the town's fishermen.
- Colmar Covered Market - Built in 1865 from brick and wrought iron, the Covered Market is home to a variety of local food producers and artisan stalls. It's the ideal place to sample or pick up regional favourites such as Munster cheese, freshly baked pretzels and the famous kougelhopf cake.
How to Get to Colmar from Your Nemea Appart'Hotel in Strasbourg
Travelling between Strasbourg and Colmar is quick and straightforward. Both Nemea Appart'Hotel Elypseo Strasbourg Port and Cœur Europe Strasbourg Illkirch offer convenient transport connections. From Illkirch, you can reach the A35 motorway in just a few minutes by car. If you're staying at the Port residence, Tram D provides a direct link to Strasbourg Central Station.
| Transport | Journey Time | Why Choose It? |
| Regional train (TER) | Around 30 minutes | The fastest option, with departures approximately every 30 minutes. Colmar's historic centre is only a 15-minute walk from the station. |
| Car (A35 motorway) | Around 50 minutes | Ideal if you plan to explore nearby villages such as Riquewihr and Eguisheim or drive along the famous Alsace Wine Route. |
FAQ: practical information for your stay
Nemea Appart’Hotel residences offer fully equipped apartments with their own kitchen, giving you complete flexibility throughout your stay. It's an excellent choice for families, business travellers and anyone who appreciates the independence of an aparthotel without compromising on comfort.
A full day is ideal for exploring Little Venice, wandering through Colmar's historic centre and enjoying a leisurely lunch in one of the town's traditional winstubs, where you can discover authentic Alsatian cuisine.
Passionate about exploring cities and always keen on urban getaways, I travel across France in search of the best city break experiences. My goal is to share my discoveries, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, as well as must-attend local events. Through my articles, I aim to inspire your weekends and short stays with practical tips and original ideas to help you make the most of every destination.
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