Colmar, France, is a beautiful town in Eastern France in the Alsace region. It is renowned for its historic Renaissance architecture that boasts beautiful colours up and down the streets.
There is so much to see in the city, especially if you visit Colmar with kids. This fairy tale town is like a real-life Disneyland, perfect for a family European city break with kids.
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Is Colmar Child Friendly
Colmar is perfect for a trip to France with kids as it boasts several activities that are child friendly. In addition, many towns in Colmar have child-friendly transport, such as the Le Petit Train, where kids under 6 go free!
What is Colmar Famous For?
Colmar, France, is famous for its immaculately preserved ancient town, beautiful architecture, and fascinating museums. Colmar is part of a few French towns that look and feel like something from a fairy tale which gives it its charm.
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Where is Colmar?
Colmar, France, is in the northeast region right on the border of Germany, only 500km from Paris. Colmar is in the ideal location for day trips with kids. The Alsace region is picture-perfect and only a few miles east of the Vosges Mountains.
Top 10 Best Things to do in Colmar with Kids
There are so many fun things to do in Colmar, France, with kids; it’s hard to pick the top 10! Most families find the old town of Colmar beautiful to stroll around, visit little Venice by boat, and find hidden gems. So, what are the best places to visit in Colmar with kids?
1. Colmar Christmas Markets
Colmar Christmas Markets are arguably one of France’s most magical Christmas markets. This is one of the must-see things to do in Colmar at Christmas with kids, as it will give them the most mesmerizing memorable Christmas ever!
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2. Le Petit Train (le Train Touristique)
Le Petit Train is a great way to travel around Eguisheim with kids. The kids will love this Colmar city break around Colmar on the train, taking in all the tourist attractions. It takes around 40 minutes, and you visit the fantastic vineyards of Alsace. Check it out here.
3. Base Nautique Colmar-Hussein
If you are visiting Colmar with Kids in the summer, it can get exhausting; luckily, Colmar is near the Base Nautique, which is a lake with a sand beach. Perfect for cooling off with the kids in Colmar in-between sightseeing. It’s a 20 minutes bus ride.
4. Little Venice
A great Colmar travel to do in Colmar with kids is a boat trip down the picturesque canals. Colmar is home to ‘little Venice’, which gets its name from the houses lining both sides of the river. We recommend a boat trip with kids as they can sit and enjoy the excitement of being on a boat.
5. Musee du Jouet
One of the best Colmar activities for kids is the toy museum – Musee Du Jouet, The museum is perfect for kids and boasts a massive toy collection dating back to the 19th Century.
6. Statue of Liberty
We know what you are thinking, isn’t the Statue of Liberty in New York? There is a Statue of Liberty in Colmar as well! This is one of the unique Colmar tourist attractions and was first created in Colmar. It is on a roundabout just outside of the town. Check it out here.
7. Place Rapp et Monument General Rapp
This area is usually full of families in Colmar with kids. In the summer, children run in-between the water fountains to cool down. At the centre is a Statue of a French Military soldier, and the surrounding area commemorates his legacy.
8. Choco-story Colmar
Choco-story in Colmar is another excellent museum for kids. Educational and yummy! Great for families as there are lots of interactive games and a chance to make your chocolate bars as a souvenir from your European city break. Book here to ensure you get a slot in the chocolate creation workshop.
9. Run to the Light
Like many European cities, escape rooms have become a popular family activity. If you find yourself in Colmar, France, in one of the colder months, visiting run to the light might be a great option. Challenge yourself to escape the building on time and try and find the light. It is one of the best Colmar things to do.
10. Marche Couvert
Marche Couvert is a big indoor market with several shops, stalls, and dining. It has a great atmosphere and air and is a lovely place to visit in Colmar to pick up some food for a picnic! This market is one of the greatest Colmar places to visit.
How to Get to Colmar, France
Train: Colmar from Strasbourg is only a 30 minutes train journey. It is also only a 45- minute journey from Basel, 2 hours from Zurich, and two and a half hours from Paris. Perfect for a day trip to Colmar and easy to access if you fly into airports in any of the above cities. Book your train tickets here with Rail Europe here.
You can also arrange a private transfer with Get Transfer to get directly from the airport to Colmar. Book your transfer here.
Air: From the UK you can fly to Basel airport, which is only a 45-minute journey to Colmar. The airport is really fun for kids as depending on where you go out of the airport; you can go to France or Switzerland. Alternatively, if you can’t get a flight to Basel, you can fly to Zurich and get the train or a bus to Colmar. Check out Trip.com for the best-priced flights >>>
Car: If you are coming from mainland Europe. You can hire a car from Rental cars to save money on trains and buses. View car hire prices and availability for your dates here >>>
When is the best time to visit Colmar?
We don’t believe there is a wrong time to visit Colmar as there is something to do all year round. However, if you are hoping for a weekend in Colmar, depending on the weather, then we recommend two months. If you want a summer European city break with kids, then June is excellent to visit. However, if you want to bring your kids to the Christmas markets, then December is the only time suitable.
Colmar in June
If you travel to Colmar in June, the weather is warm and sunny with an average temperature of 25 degrees. This is ideal weather to take a boat trip along the canals or visit the lake in Colmar with kids. Cool off from sightseeing in the water or play on one of the Colmar golf courses.
Colmar in December
The temperatures will be way below 25 degrees in December, and you might even encounter some snow. However, Colmar is magical at Christmas, with so many festivities, concerts and Christmas displays to see. In addition, in Colmar, France, Christmas markets are a must-see at this time of year.
Where to Stay in Colmar, France with Children
Below you will see some of the best Colmar hotels that are suitable for families with children!
Budget: Le cosy de la gare
This practical, centrally located apartment is perfect for a family visiting Colmar with kids. It even has a terrace with city views, perfect for visiting Colmar in the summer. Check it out here.
Mid-Range: The Elegance- Renovated apartment
This beautiful, newly renovated apartment is only minutes away from Saint-Martin Collegiate Church. This is great for weekends in Colmar if you are driving as it has a parking space available. Check it out here.
Splashing Out: L APART
In the heart of Colmar, this duplex apartment is stunning. It is one of the best hotels in Colmar, France, and has city views from the terrace of the old street just 100m from Saint-Martin Collegiate. If you are visiting Colmar with kids and want to keep them entertained, this apartment has a giant pool table and games console.! Check it out here.
Where to Eat in Colmar with Kids
France is renowned for its escargot, fresh French baguette, and pain au Chocolat. Treat yourself by pairing your meals with fabulous French wine! Colmar, France, is full of amazing food options that kids will love.
La Tarvenre Du Chateau: It is located in Eguisheim, perfect after a day on the Petit Train. It is surrounded by gorgeous scenery in the main square. Classic French cuisine is available for Lunch and dinner. View on TripAdvisor Here >>>
Le Petit Bidon: If you are looking for some lovely fresh French food in the heart of Colmar, you need to try Le Petit Bidon. You know you are getting the best with a limited menu using only the best healthy ingredients. View on TripAdvisor Here >>>
Lucas & Chris Restaurant: A great Colmar restaurant serves traditional French food. Hard to find, but we believe it is a hidden gem. If you go with your family, we recommend the duck! View on TripAdvisor Here >>>
Caveau St-Jean: Cheap and cheerful, this restaurant in Colmar is a mix of French and European for those with fussy eaters. Great atmosphere suitable for kids and great food to go with it. View on TripAdvisor Here >>>
How to Spend 2 Days in Colmar
What to do in Colmar, France!? As seen above, Colmar has a great selection of activities for families to enjoy together. However, if you are only on a city break to Colmar, you can pack a lot into a short period. Luckily, we have created an itinerary for your visit to Colmar with the kids.
Day 1:
Morning: Start your first day in the centre of Colmar near the Market Couvert. You can pick up some fresh pastries and juice from the market before enjoying them in the nearby parks.
Afternoon: We recommend the walking tour in Colmar in the afternoon. This is great for kids in Colmar as you can make walking fun! Use your phone to solve riddles and find all of the city’s best attractions.
Day 2:
Start your morning by heading to the town of Eguisheim and hop on the Le Petit Train.
Take in the beautiful sights of the French vineyards and relax as the kids enjoy the thrill of the train.
Stop by the La Tarvenre Du Chateau for some well-deserved lunch.
3 Days in Colmar with Kids
What to do in Colmar If you find yourself in the city for more than two days, there are plenty more things to do around Colmar, France.
Our top pick would be the Chocolate making workshop. This is great for kids to blow off some steam and indulge in 45 minutes of chocolate heaven. Book your chocolate making workshop here >>>
If this is not something you would find interesting, then hop on a boat tour where you can sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery.
Best Places to Visit Near Colmar, France
Located so close to the border of Switzerland and Germany, there is plenty of things to do near Colmar. Colmar is in a great location in the north of France that is ideal for day trips from Colmar with kids.
Strasbourg
One of the most popular cities in the Alsace, Strasbourg to Colmar is easily accessible by car and train. Home to the Norte Dame De Strasbourg and Petite France, it holds so much culture and history for you and your family to learn about. Strasbourg, unlike Colmar, is a busier city. Nether-the-less, there is plenty to see, including a theme park called Europa Park. View more of the best Theme Parks in France Here >>>
Book your train tickets here or get a transfer quote here >>>
Paris
City kids will love a trip to Paris. With iconic sights such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc De Triomphe, you will be able to jam back your day with tourist attractions. The best of them all is Disney Land Paris, a kid’s dream. Only a 2-and-a-half-hour train to the capital, it is worth a day trip from Colmar and one of the best theme parks in Europe for families.
Book your train tickets here or get a transfer quote here >>>
Zurich
Only two hours away and you are in the stunning country of Switzerland. A great way to teach kids about borders as you swiftly pass from country to country. Switzerland is home to the stunning alps. If you have visited with kids that can’t ski, hop on a cable car to the top of the alps.
Book your train tickets here or get a transfer quote here >>>
How to Get Around Colmar
The best way to get around Colmar with kids is by foot. However, if you think this will be difficult if you have a pushchair or wheelchair, then the Colmar bus service is excellent.
Boats on the canals are also great for finding hidden gems, such as riverside restaurants and bakeries.
Plan Your Trip to Colmar, France with Kids
Book flights to a nearby airport >>>
Compare car hire prices and availability >>>
Book your train tickets here >>>
Find family-friendly accommodation >>>
Discover tours and activities >>>
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Sylvie Simpson is the founder of European Cities with Kids. For the past 6 years, she has been travelling all over Europe whenever she has the chance, both solo, for work and with her daughter. Sylvie is on a mission to help people make the most of city breaks in Europe with kids and helps over 50,000 readers per month plan and make the most of their trips in Europe with kids.