Colmar, Little Venice
Its nickname is a clue. ‘Little Venice’ is certainly the most romantic and welcoming district of Colmar and owes its nickname to its historic layout around channels of the River Lauch. The picturesque tourist attraction is at the heart of Krutenau, the southern part of the historiccentre.
Why La Petite Venise de Colmar ?
The district of Krutenau (a name which refers to market gardens on the outskirts of towns) was developed during the Middle Ages as a market gardening area on ancient marshes on the southern edge of the historic centre of Colmar. The River Lauch, which flows through the town, was used to irrigate the vegetable crops and transport them by punt straight to the Quai de la Poissonnerie alongside the indoor market (this quay is the most photographed view in Colmar).
Little Venice extends from the indoor market along the Quai de la Poissonnerie to Saint-Pierre bridge. Most of its quaint, half-timbered houses, painted in the colours of Alsace, were built between the 14th and 18th centuries. With its charming, flower-bedecked hotels, restaurants, winstubs, patisseries and shops, Little Venice is one of the best-preserved medieval districts of Colmar and Alsace. It is also one of the most picturesque and most visited.
Have a ride in a punt along the Lauch, rather like a gondola ride in Venice, from the indoor market to the leafy residential area of Colmar. Discover all the charm of Little Venice as you glide by rows of half-timbered houses and lush vegetation and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and wonderful scenery !
With the approach of Christmas, the neighbourhood takes on a magical air and atmosphere of a Christmas of yesteryear. A stroll along the picturesque quays and narrow streets between the Christmas markets at Place de l’Ancienne Douane and Place des Six Montagnes Noires at nightfall is a wonderful experience.
The illuminations and decorations in Haut-Rhin maintain the Christmas traditions of Alsace, much to the joy of children… and grownups too ! Colmar also has many places of interest and museums including the famous Musée Unterlinden.
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