Discovering Colmar by Motorhome: Complete Guide
Introduction
Welcome to Colmar, the perfect spot for an unforgettable road trip in France! In this travel guide to Colmar, we’re diving into the captivating history of this charming town. You’ll learn about Colmar’s geographical location and the various ways to get there. We’ll also share our best Vanlife tips so you can make the most out of your camper van experience while in Colmar. You’ll find useful info on free parking spots, places to do laundry, and of course, must-see travel spots in Colmar. Don’t miss our recommendations for the best restaurants in town and get an idea of the budget you’ll need for this unique experience. Lastly, make sure to explore the many activities Colmar has to offer. Enjoy your journey!
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What is Colmar – France?
History of Colmar
Colmar, this charming little town located in the Alsace region, is brimming with fascinating history. Dating back to the Roman era, Colmar has passed through the ages while keeping its traditional charm. With its picturesque cobblestone streets, colorful half-timbered houses, and flower-lined canals, you might feel like you’ve stepped right into a fairy tale. Colmar’s history is marked by its strategic position in the heart of Europe, making it a coveted city by various peoples.
Over the centuries, the city has alternated between being French, German, and even Swiss.
This tumultuous history is reflected in the architecture of Colmar, with influences from French, German, and Swiss styles in the city’s buildings. Many historic buildings have withstood the test of time, such as the House of Heads, the Pfister House, and the House of Knights.
Geographical Setting
Located in the heart of Alsace, the charming town of Colmar reveals itself as a true gem nestled in greenery. Positioned between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River, this pearl of Eastern France offers an idyllic setting for nature lovers and those in search of authenticity.
How to Get to Colmar?
Colmar is easily accessible by RV.
- If you’re coming from Paris, take the A4 towards Strasbourg, then switch to the A35 heading south to Colmar, for a journey of about 5 hours and 30 minutes.
- When coming from Strasbourg, just follow the A35 southbound, and you’ll reach Colmar in under an hour.
- If you’re leaving from Mulhouse, hop on the A35 going north, and you’ll be in Colmar in just 30 minutes.
And let me tell you, Colmar is worth the trip! It’s charming with its picturesque canals and colorful buildings. Definitely pack your camera!
To get from Paris to Colmar by train, you can choose either the high-speed line (TGV) or the regular line.
1. Start by hopping on a TGV from Gare de l’Est in Paris, heading towards Strasbourg. These high-speed trains are quick and comfy, giving you a direct ride to Strasbourg. Just make sure to check the schedules and fares before you leave.
2. Once you hit Strasbourg station, you’ll need to catch a regional train to get to Colmar. Regional trains run quite frequently and offer a pretty short trip to Colmar. Double-check the schedules for regional trains based on your arrival time in Strasbourg.
3. When you arrive at Colmar station, you’ll be super close to downtown. You can grab a taxi or hop on a bus to reach your final destination.
It’s a good idea to book your train tickets in advance to snag some better prices and avoid any availability snafus. You can easily book your tickets online or at the ticket counters at the stations.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on the departure and arrival times of the trains, and allow yourself enough time for any connections. Detailed info on schedules and rates can be found on the websites of the train companies.
- The nearest national airport to Colmar is the Mulhouse-Basel Airport, which is about 37 miles (i.e. 60 km) from the city.
- The closest international airport to Colmar is the Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport, also roughly 37 miles (i.e. 60 km) away from the city.
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Climate: When to Visit Colmar by Camper Van?
| Month | Average Temperature (°C) | Rain (mm) | Weather | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -1°/3° | 39mm | 🌨️ | Unfavorable |
| February | 0°/5° | 32mm | 🌨️ | Unfavorable |
| March | 3°/9° | 40mm | 🌧️ | Unfavorable |
| April | 6°/13° | 35mm | 🌧️ | Unfavorable |
| May | 10°/17° | 79mm | 🌦️ | Somewhat Unfavorable |
| June | 13°/20° | 63mm | 🌦️ | Somewhat Unfavorable |
| July | 15°/23° | 49mm | ⛅️ | Somewhat Unfavorable |
| August | 15°/23° | 72mm | ⛅️ | Somewhat Unfavorable |
| September | 12°/19° | 58mm | ⛅️ | Somewhat Unfavorable |
| October | 8°/13° | 58mm | 🌧️ | Unfavorable |
| November | 3°/7° | 46mm | 🌨️ | Unfavorable |
| December | 0°/3° | 40mm | ❄️ | Unfavorable |
If we had one piece of advice for you, it’s to visit the picturesque town of Colmar from May to September. With a mild and sunny climate, you can stroll through the cobblestone streets and admire the colorful timber-framed houses without worrying about the weather. Plus, these months feature a ton of events and festivals where you can dive into Alsatian culture at its finest. So, grab your camera and get ready to fall in love with Colmar!
Key Spots for Vans and Campervans in Colmar
Here’s a list of useful points of interest for your stay in a van around Colmar.
- 📍Camping de l’Ill – Colmar: Colmar, 1 All. du Camping, 68180 Horbourg-Wihr, France • Rating: 4 • Coordinates (48.0790963 – 7.3865036)
- 📍Kempf Marc: 19 Rue du Muhlbach Logelbach, 68124 Wintzenheim, France • Rating: 4.4 • Coordinates (48.0869316 – 7.3062738)
- 📍Camping Trois Châteaux: 10 Rue du Bass., 68420 Eguisheim, France • Rating: 4.1 • Coordinates (48.04262869999999 – 7.2998226)
- 📍Colmar Port de Plaisance: 6 Rue du Canal, 68000 Colmar, France • Rating: 3.4 • Coordinates (48.0805711 – 7.374561700000001)
- 📍Camping Pierre de Coubertin: 23 Rue de Landau, 68150 Ribeauvillé, France • Rating: 4.4 • Coordinates (48.1948392 – 7.3365122)
- 📍Self-Service Laundromat: 2 Av. de la Liberté, 68000 Colmar, France • Rating: 4.4 • Coordinates (48.074458 – 7.3461195)
- 📍Laverie Revolution Laundromat: 6 Rue du Canal Port De Plaisance, 68000 Colmar, France • Rating: 2.7 • Coordinates (48.0803588 – 7.374587399999998)
- 📍Laverie Revolution Laundromat: Super U Fleuri, 148 Av. d’Alsace, 68000 Colmar, France • Rating: 3.8 • Coordinates (48.0666671 – 7.363568900000001)
- 📍Colmar Marina: 6 Canal Street, 68000 Colmar, France • Rating: 3.4 • Coordinates (48.0805711 – 7.374561700000001)
- 📍Colmar Motorhome Stop: 6 Canal Street, 68000 Colmar, France • Rating: 3 • Coordinates (48.080545 – 7.374448)
- 📍Camping de l’Ill – Colmar: Colmar, 1 Camping Lane, 68180 Horbourg-Wihr, France • Rating: 4 • Coordinates (48.0790963 – 7.3865036)
- 📍Free Parking: 68000 Colmar, France • Note: – • Coordinates (48.0764368 – 7.371017699999999)
- 📍Blaise Pascal: 41 Rue du Val Saint-Grégoire, 68000 Colmar, France • Note: 3.8 • Coordinates (48.0824 – 7.343682599999999)
- 📍Lacarre: 5 Pl. Lacarre, 68000 Colmar, France • Note: 4.3 • Coordinates (48.0834771 – 7.3569043)
Among these spots, we stayed at Camping de l’Ill – Colmar, and we were pleasantly surprised! Located in Horbourg-Wihr, just a few kilometers (about 2.5 miles) from Colmar, this campsite offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The staff was friendly and welcoming, and the facilities were clean and well-maintained. We got to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings, with the Ill River winding alongside the campsite. A score of 4 out of 5 is definitely deserved. We had a memorable time, and we highly recommend this spot to nature lovers and camping enthusiasts alike.
Where and What to Eat in Colmar?
Restaurants in Colmar
Traditional Restaurants in Colmar
- 🍽️ La Cocotte de Grand-Mère • Rating: 4.5 • A cozy spot serving traditional Alsatian cuisine in a friendly atmosphere.
- 🍽️ Meistermann • Rating: 4.2 • Known for fine Alsatian cuisine and a modern setting, perfect for a nice meal out.
- 🍽️ Jadis et Gourmande • Rating: 4.4 • This restaurant offers traditional Alsatian dishes made with fresh, quality ingredients—definitely worth a try.
- 🍽️ Aux Armes de Colmar • Rating: 4.6 • A well-known Alsatian brasserie famous for its traditional dishes and a warm, welcoming vibe.
- 🍽️ Restaurant Le Petit Bidon • Rating: 4.8 • This spot serves high-quality Alsatian cuisine in a lovely, quaint setting.
Colmar’s Specialties
Ah, the culinary delights of Colmar! You can’t miss the choucroute garnie, this iconic Alsatian dish made of fermented cabbage served with sausages and potatoes. And let’s talk about the delicious bredle, those little traditional Alsatian cookies that are just perfect with a cup of coffee! Don’t forget the famous tarte flambée, a thin crust topped with crème fraîche, lardons, and onions, baked in a wood-fired oven for an irresistible flavor. Sweet tooth? You’ll love the kougelhopf, a moist cake with raisins and almonds that’s a regional classic. Lastly, you can’t skip the münster, a soft cheese with a strong, distinctive taste. So many specialties that will delight the taste buds of foodies seeking authenticity. Enjoy your meal!
Among these restaurants, we dined at “Le Petit Bidon” in Colmar, and we had a fantastic time there! The Alsatian cuisine offered was top-notch and delicious. The charming and picturesque setting added an authentic touch to our dining experience. The service was also outstanding, with a warm and attentive staff. I highly recommend this place for anyone who loves traditional cuisine and delightful culinary discoveries.
Transitioning from the meal, let’s talk about the atmosphere. The restaurant had a nice vibe that made it perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal; it’s the kind of place where you can linger and really savor your food. If you’re exploring that part of France, be sure to add this spot to your list. You won’t be disappointed!
And don’t forget to check out the local wines; they pair perfectly with the dishes!
Budget Travel for a Road Trip to Colmar
The currency used in Colmar, just like the rest of France, is the Euro (EUR). Here’s a breakdown of costs for various services and products in Colmar, along with a comparison to the French average:
- Meal in a mid-range restaurant: 25 € (approx. £21.60, $27.20)
- Fast food menu: 8.4 € (approx. £7.25, $9.10)
- Local beer (50 cl draft): 3.9 € (approx. £3.38, $4.29)
- Single public transport ticket: 2 € (£1.73, $2.20)
- Unleaded petrol (1 liter): 1.4 € (£1.21, $1.54)
- Budget hotel (room for two people): 61 € (approx. £52 / $68)
- Mid-range hotel (room for two people): 106 € (approx. £90 / $117)
- Luxury hotel (room for two people): 150 € (approx. £127 / $165)
- Pair of jeans (Levis 501 or equivalent): 68 € (£59 / $84)
- Summer dress from a major brand (Zara, H&M..): 41 € (£35 / $49)
- Sports shoes: 73 € (£63 / $89)
Hey, fellow travelers! If you’re looking to explore Europe on a budget, let me break it down for you. Eating out can be a delight, but you’ll find mid-range restaurant meals costing around 25 € (roughly £21.60 or $27.20). If you’re feeling frugal, a fast food menu is only about 8.4 € (around £7.25 or $9.10). For a refreshing local beer? Just 3.9 € (about £3.38 or $4.29).
Transportation is pretty wallet-friendly too: a single public transport ticket is just 2 € (that’s £1.73 or $2.20). If you decide to rent a car, expect to pay around 1.4 € per liter for petrol.
For accommodation, budget hotels run around 61 € (roughly £52 or $68), while mid-range options are about 106 € (approximately £90 or $117). In short, with some smart choices, you can enjoy a fantastic trip without breaking the bank!
What Activities to Enjoy in Colmar?
Here’s a list of activities we recommend trying out in Colmar, tailored to your tastes and preferences:
- Explore Little Venice
- Stroll through the Tanners’ Neighborhood
- Take a boat ride on the Lauch River
- Savor some coffee on the terraces, ideally with a partner
- Enjoy a wine tasting in the cellars of Colmar
– Visit the Unterlinden Museum
– Discover the Saint-Martin Collegiate Church
– Explore the Krutenau district
– Join a guided tour of the historic center
– Go hiking in the area around Colmar
– Ride bikes along the canals
– Try paddleboarding on Lake Blanc
– Play a round of golf at one of the many courses in the region
– Visit the Christmas market, one of the prettiest in Alsace
– Enjoy the summer music and arts festivals
Conclusion: Why visit or return to Colmar?
In conclusion, Colmar is a city that has no shortage of charm and history. From its unique architecture to its delectable culinary specialties, to its picturesque alleyways and diverse activities, this destination will undoubtedly win you over. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or an adventurer, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Colmar. So, what are you waiting for to plan your next road trip and set off to explore this Alsatian gem? Come and create unforgettable memories in the enchanting world of Colmar!
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