3-Day Family Weekend Getaway to Colmar: A Fairytale Guide
Colmar is often described as a storybook come to life, and for families, it truly is a magical destination. With its half-timbered houses, flower-lined canals, and pedestrian-friendly streets, it offers a safe and visually stunning environment for children and parents alike. This Family Travel Guide is designed with a relaxed pace in mind, ensuring you can soak in the Alsatian atmosphere without the stress of a packed schedule.
We focus on the most accessible parts of the Old Town, choosing activities that keep little ones engaged while allowing adults to appreciate the rich history and world-class gastronomy of the region. From whimsical toy museums to gentle boat rides, your weekend in Colmar will be as easy-going as it is memorable.
Day 1: Colmar, France - Fairytale Beginnings
The Little Green Train (Petit Train Vert)
Start your trip with a stress-free overview of the city. The Little Green Train departs near the Unterlinden Museum and takes you on a 35-minute tour through the historic center. It is a lifesaver for little legs and offers an audio guide in multiple languages.
Colmar Covered Market (Marché Couvert)
Head to this historic permanent market for a casual family lunch. The building is stroller-accessible and offers a variety of local snacks like pretzels, cheeses, and Flammekueche. There are tables overlooking the canal where you can eat while watching the boats go by.
Boat Trip in Little Venice (Petite Venise)
Board a flat-bottomed boat for a gentle ride along the Lauch River. The perspective from the water is stunning, and kids usually find the low-gliding boats exciting. The embarkation point near the Saint-Pierre bridge is easily accessible.
Dinner at Wistub de la Petite Venise
End your first day at a traditional Alsatian tavern that welcomes families. Their menu features regional specialties that are hearty and kid-approved, such as spaetzle (local egg noodles) in a cozy, rustic setting.
Day 2: Colmar, France - Play and Parks
Musée du Jouet (Toy Museum)
Located in a former cinema, this museum is a paradise for children. It houses an extensive collection of toys from the 19th century to the present day, including a large model train set and interactive play areas that keep children entertained for hours.
Lunch at Brasserie des Tanneurs
Located in the historic Tanners' District, this restaurant offers plenty of space for families and a menu that caters to all ages. The terrace is particularly pleasant for people-watching in the heart of the old town.
Parc du Champ de Mars
Let the kids run free in this large, beautiful park. It features a historic carousel (one of the largest in France), plenty of green space for a picnic, and wide paths perfect for strollers. It's the ideal spot for a mid-afternoon break.
Evening Stroll at Place de l'Ancienne Douane
This square is the heart of Colmar's social life. Admire the Schwendi Fountain and the Koïfhus (Old Custom House). In the evening, the buildings are beautifully illuminated, creating a safe and enchanting atmosphere for a final walk before bed.
Day 3: Colmar, France - Art and Local Life
Unterlinden Museum
While known for the Isenheim Altarpiece, this museum is housed in a former convent with a stunning cloister that is very peaceful for families. The modern wing is spacious and easy to navigate with a stroller, featuring diverse art collections that appeal to all ages.
Lunch at Le 13
A charming spot near the museum offering fresh, seasonal bowls and sandwiches. It has a more modern feel and provides a lighter alternative to the heavier traditional Alsatian fare, which is often welcome by the third day.
Bartholdi Museum & Courtyard
Visit the birthplace of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the creator of the Statue of Liberty. While the museum is interesting, the inner courtyard with its massive 'Les Grands Soutiens du Monde' sculpture is free to enter and a great spot for a quick family photo.
Souvenir Shopping in Quartier des Tanneurs
Before leaving, explore the narrow streets for local gingerbread (pain d'épices) and handmade crafts. The area is mostly pedestrianized, making it safe for kids to walk alongside you as you find your perfect memento.
Best Time & Weather
The best time to visit Colmar is during the late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the flowers are in full bloom. For a truly magical experience, late November through December is famous for the Christmas Markets, though it can be very crowded and colder for young children. Summers are beautiful but can be quite hot, so plan for indoor museum visits during the midday heat.
Currency & Money
France uses the Euro (€). Colmar is a modern tourist destination where credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in almost all restaurants, shops, and museums. However, it is always helpful to carry a small amount of cash for smaller bakeries or market stalls. Tipping is not mandatory as a service charge is included in your bill, but rounding up the change or leaving 1-2 Euros for good service is appreciated.
Getting Around
Colmar's historic center is compact and best explored on foot. The majority of the Old Town is pedestrianized, which is ideal for those traveling with strollers. For longer distances or reaching the train station, the Trace bus network is efficient and easy to use. If you plan to visit nearby villages like Eguisheim or Riquewihr, the 'Kutzig' hop-on hop-off bus is a convenient option specifically designed for tourists.
