Top 6 Tourist Places in Alsace

1.Market Hall (Marché Couvert de Colmar)

Located on the banks of the Lauch River in the historic center of Colmar, the Market Hall is one of the city’s most beloved attractions. Built in 1865, the impressive structure was designed by architect Louis-Michel Boltz, who also created the famous municipal theater of Colmar.

Constructed using pink sandstone, brick, iron, and cast iron, the building symbolized Colmar’s entry into the industrial era while still preserving the elegance of traditional Alsatian architecture. The hall’s riverside location once allowed merchants to transport goods directly by boat through the canals connected to the Lauch.

One charming detail visitors often notice is the bronze-colored fountain in the southwest corner of the hall. Crowned with the statue of a small winemaker, it reflects the deep connection between Alsace and its centuries-old wine culture.

After a major restoration completed in 2010, the Market Hall regained its role as a lively culinary center. Today, around twenty local vendors sell fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, pastries, seafood, meats, and traditional Alsatian delicacies. Outdoor market stalls also appear every Thursday, adding even more life and color to the square.

The atmosphere inside is authentic and vibrant, making it an ideal place to experience local daily life. Travelers can sample regional specialties such as Munster cheese, Kougelhopf cake, Alsatian wines, and handmade charcuterie while enjoying views of the canal outside.

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2.The Charming Tanners’ Quarter (Quartier des Tanneurs)

Just behind the Market Hall lies one of Colmar’s most photogenic neighborhoods — the Tanners’ Quarter. This district dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries when local tanners lived and worked here processing animal hides into leather.

The half-timbered houses in the area are noticeably taller than many others in Colmar. Their large open attic spaces and steep ventilated roofs were specially designed for drying animal skins. These unique architectural details remain beautifully preserved and give the quarter its distinctive appearance.

Walking through Petite Rue des Tanneurs feels like stepping into another century. The narrow cobbled streets, wooden balconies, colorful façades, and flower-filled windows create a magical atmosphere that attracts photographers and travelers from around the world.

During the 1960s and 1970s, the district underwent a large restoration project that saved many of the deteriorating historic houses. Builders carefully exposed and restored the original wooden frameworks while cleaning and preserving the masonry. Thanks to this effort, the Tanners’ Quarter remains one of the finest preserved historic districts in Alsace today.

The neighborhood is especially beautiful in the early morning and evening when sunlight reflects off the pastel-colored façades and illuminates the narrow streets.

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3.Rue des Marchands – Colmar’s Most Beautiful Street

Running through the heart of the old town, Rue des Marchands is one of the liveliest and most picturesque streets in Colmar. Lined with beautifully preserved half-timbered houses, boutique shops, cafés, souvenir stores, and traditional restaurants, the street perfectly captures the spirit of Alsace.

The architecture here combines medieval and Renaissance influences, with richly decorated wooden façades, carved balconies, and painted walls that reflect the prosperity of Colmar’s merchant families during earlier centuries.

One of the street’s major cultural highlights is the Bartholdi Museum, located in the birthplace of sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the creator of the famous Statue of Liberty. The museum showcases sculptures, paintings, sketches, and personal objects belonging to the artist, offering insight into his remarkable career.

Near the western end of Rue des Marchands stands the house where the philosopher and writer Voltaire once stayed during his travels. This historical connection adds even more cultural importance to the street.

Today, Rue des Marchands remains one of the best places in Colmar to stroll, shop, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the old town.

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4.Maison Pfister & Maison Adolph

Among Colmar’s architectural treasures, the Maison Pfister is undoubtedly the city’s most iconic house. Built in 1537 for wealthy hatmaker Ludwig Scherer, the building beautifully combines medieval Gothic architecture with Renaissance influences.

The house is famous for its octagonal turret, wooden galleries, painted murals, carved balconies, and elegant corner oriel. Although the building dates back to the 16th century, its current name comes from the Pfister family, who lived there during the 19th century.

Behind Maison Pfister stands the historic Maison Adolph, one of the oldest surviving buildings in Colmar. Dating back to the mid-14th century, the house is a rare example of early medieval urban architecture in Alsace.

At the base of Maison Adolph stands a historic fountain decorated with lion heads and topped with a small gallows structure dating from 1592. Originally located on Rue Mercière, the fountain adds further historical charm to the area.

Together, these two buildings provide a fascinating glimpse into Colmar’s architectural evolution across several centuries.

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5.Old Police Station (Salle du Corps de Garde)

Situated opposite the Saint Martin’s Church in the center of the old town, the historic Salle du Corps de Garde is one of the finest Renaissance buildings in Alsace.

The structure was built on the site of the former Saint-Jacques Chapel from the 13th century. In 1575, the building was transformed into a guardhouse. Soldiers occupied the ground floor, while the upper level contained apartments and administrative spaces.

The building’s decorative details are remarkable. The arched entrance gate, colorful façade, and elegant loggia showcase Renaissance artistry at its finest. The elevated loggia once served as a public tribune where judges announced official decisions and legal judgments to citizens gathered below.

Underneath the arches, small merchants historically sold nuts and oil seeds, creating a lively marketplace atmosphere in the square.

During the 19th century, the building became military offices before later serving as a police station. Today, it stands as an important historical monument and one of the most photographed landmarks in Colmar’s old town.

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6.Why Colmar Feels Like a Fairytale

What makes Colmar truly unforgettable is its unique blend of French and German influences, colorful medieval architecture, flower-decorated canals, and relaxed atmosphere. The town escaped much of the destruction that affected other European cities during wars, allowing its historic center to remain incredibly well preserved.

Whether exploring the lively Market Hall, wandering through the Tanners’ Quarter, admiring Renaissance houses, or relaxing in a café along Rue des Marchands, visitors quickly discover why Colmar is often called one of the most beautiful towns in Europe.

For photographers, history lovers, food enthusiasts, and romantic travelers alike, Colmar offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Alsatian culture and heritage.