Vieille ville de Colmar, Medieval old town in Colmar, France
The Old Town of Colmar is a medieval center with half-timbered and stone buildings painted in soft colors, lining cobbled streets and waterways that run through the core. The district contains a mix of residential homes, museums, restaurants, and shops all within walking distance of each other.
The town was founded in the 13th century and received the status of a free imperial city in 1226 under Emperor Frederick II, which brought it independence and importance. Later it joined a regional league of ten Alsatian cities in 1354, strengthening its economic and political power.
The old center shows how wine merchants and skilled craftspeople shaped daily life here, building homes and conducting trade along the waterways. You can see this history reflected in the decorated facades and tight arrangement of buildings throughout the streets.
The core is best explored on foot, as most areas are pedestrian-friendly and the layout is compact. The streets wind through narrow passages, so walking slowly helps you notice the details of the buildings and spot good spots to rest or eat.
A neighborhood called Little Venice has canals that were once used by merchants and fishermen to move goods throughout the area. Today these waterways are quiet and green, but they still give the district its distinctive personality and draw visitors looking for something different.
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