Understand

Colmar, a city in the Alsace region of France, has a fascinating history that reflects its dual cultural influences. Although it was once predominantly German-speaking, the city experienced various changes in nationality between France and Germany throughout history. During World War II, it was annexed by Hitler's regime, leaving a shocking imprint of Nazi flags hanging in the streets. This cultural suppression led to a process of Francification, but remnants of the German heritage can still be found. Today, while strolling through the streets of Colmar, you might hear both German and French being spoken. German is spoken by native Alsacians, who have managed to preserve their German dialect called Alsatian. Despite its endangered status, Alsatian remains a significant minority language in this region. Interestingly, some street signs in Colmar and Strasbourg are written in both French and Alsatian German. Among the many minority languages in France, Alsatian German holds its ground as one of the most prosperous. If you find yourself in Colmar and don't speak French, don't worry. Addressing locals in German will often be greeted with delight, as it connects to their cultural heritage. English may not be widely spoken, but a polite attempt in French can still open doors and help bridge language barriers in this enchanting city.

Get in

Colmar, a charming town in France, is nestled between Basel (French: Ble) and Strasbourg. You can reach Colmar by direct train connections from both cities, offering you a seamless journey. When traveling from Strasbourg, make sure to sit on the right side of the train to indulge in breathtaking views of the majestic Vosges Mountains. If you're coming from the German side, there is a convenient bus option. Take a direct train from Freiburg to Breisach and catch the bus near the border. The bus stop is conveniently located in front of the Breisach train station. If you're visiting from Freiburg, consider purchasing a RegioElsassTicket, which is not only more affordable but also grants you access to the entire RVF network, including this bus route. Explore Colmar and its surroundings with ease and enjoy the unique blend of French and German influences that make this region so special.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

The first popular French dish is Ratatouille, a colorful vegetable stew traditionally made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and seasoned with herbs such as thyme and basil. This hearty, non-meat dish is typically served alongside grilled meats or fish.

Another famous French dish is Coq au Vin, a braised chicken dish that originated in Burgundy. It involves marinating chicken pieces in red wine with mushrooms, bacon, onions, and garlic before slow-cooking them until tender and flavorful. The final dish is often garnished with parsley and served with potatoes, noodles, or bread.

Lastly, the iconic French dish, Croissants, are flaky, buttery pastries made from layers of laminated dough, which are then curved into a crescent shape and traditionally served for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Although they are not typically a savory or sweet dish, croissants can be filled with various ingredients like ham and cheese (called a jambon-beurre) or almond paste and sugar (an almond croissant).

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing