Anyone who has seen Venice will be amazed that this small city in the north-east of France has the same charm as its Italian counterpart. In Colmar, you can feel the magic of bygone times in the walls, like the idea that Santa Claus and his elves could find a home here. The facades may be reminiscent of yesterday, but as far as restaurants, boutiques and cafés are concerned, Colmar has long since arrived in the here and now. Picturesque without being old-fashioned and pretty without hitting the kitsch button: This is Colmar, which Catherine Garnier calls home and which she would only leave if Paris or Milan were to propose to her.
Hotels
Stay in style at the James Boutique Hôtel, whose interior will make Francophile design fans happy. The Hôtel Quatorze is minimalist and monochrome, and every croissant tastes even better on its roof terrace. If you are looking for more privacy, the Visionapartments at 4 Rue Basque are the right place for you.
James Boutique Hôtel, 15 Rue Saint-Eloi, www.james-hotel-colmar.com
Hôtel Quatorze, 14 Rue des Augustins, www.hotelquatorze.com
Visionapartments, 4 Rue Basque, www.visionapartments.com
Restaurants
L’Atelier de Yann is actually a patisserie, so early in the morning it’s best to stock up on croissants and hot chocolate. If you prefer a hearty breakfast, head to Jadis et Gourmande, which serves both sweet and savory tarts. For a leisurely lunch, sit down at the Italian Enopasta Bradi and order ravioli with ricotta and peas. If you crave something sweet between lunch and dinner, the Café Dussourd-Salon de thé is the place for you. In the evening, reserve a table at Bord’eau, whose tapas are famous far and wide, at L’Epicurien, a restaurant and wine bar, or at Le Quai 21, which serves whatever the market has to offer every day.
L’Atelier de Yann, 11 Pl. de la Cathédrale, www.atelier-de-yann.com
Jadis et Gourmande, 8 place du marché aux fruits, www.facebook.com
Enopasta Bradi, 8 Rue Étroite,
Café Dussourd-Salon de thé, 19 Rue des Serruriers, www.facebook.com
Bord’eau, 17 Rue de la Poissonnerie, www.jean-yves-schillinger.com
L’Epicurien, 11 Rue Wickram, www.epicurien.com
Le Quai 2, 21 Quai de la Poissonnerie, www.restaurant-quai21.com
Stores
The La Corrida concept store offers the coolest fashion and the latest collections from the hottest designers. Every now and then you can pick up a bargain at the Le Bazar de la Corrida outlet, where you can buy pieces from past collections of the big labels. Stylish footwear can be purchased from Stanley chaussures or Différence, various accessories are available from Empreintes and Froehly Creation. If you prefer to fill your suitcase with food, you can browse through the fine food range at Sezanne or find out about the best cheese in Colmar at Fromagerie Saint Nicolas . Konjaku offers everything to do with Japan, antiques can be found at Antiquités Bally and other beautiful objects at Inspiration Design and Rouge Framboise.
La Corrida, 33 B Rue des Clefs, www.la-corrida.com
Outlet Le Bazar de la Corrida, 33 B Rue des Clefs, www.la-corrida.com
Stanley chaussures, 6 Rue de Reiset, www.vitrines-colmar.com
Différence, 6 Rue de Reiset, www.vitrines-colmar.com
Empreintes, 3 Rue Saint-Nicolas, www.empreintes-site-solocal.com
Froehly Creation, 3 Rue Morel, www.froehly-creation.com
Sezanne, 30 Grand Rue, www.izgood.com
Fromagerie Saint Nicolas, 18 Rue Saint-Nicolas, www.facebook.com
Konjaku, 4 Rue Vauban, www.konjaku.com
Antiquités Bally, 3 Rue Mangold, www.atiquite-bally.com
Inspiration Design, 5 Rue Saint-Nicolas, www.inspiration-design.com
Rouge Framboise, 23 Rue du Rempart, www.facebook.com
Party
In Mannala Pils or in the L’Esquisse bar, you can start the evening with delicious cocktails in a chic atmosphere before heading to the Rota Club for a night of fun.
Mannala Pils, 8 Rue des Augustins, www.facebook.com
Bar L’Esquisse, 2 Av. de la Marne, www.lesquissecolmar.com
Rota Club, 8 Rue Timken, www.rotaclub.com
Place to be
Colmar is now home to the new luxury hotel L’Esquisse, whose bar and spa are already among the most hyped places in the city.
L’Esquisse, 2 Av. de la Marne, www.lesquissecolmar.com
Must-do
Anyone coming to Colmar should not miss the Musée Unterlinden, which houses over 7,000 years of history. Most typical of the city is the district known as Little Venice, as the canals are reminiscent of the Italian model.
Musée Unterlinden, Pl. des Unterlinden, www.musee-unterlinden.com
Events
La Magie de Noël
26.11. until 29.12.
For four weeks, everything in Colmar revolves around Christmas.
La Magie de Noël, www.noel-colmar.com
Catherine Garnier
is the owner of La Corrida.
loves fashion, art and gastronomy.
hates mountains.
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