Strasbourg vs Colmar! Which is prettier.. ? Is there even a winner?
Lately, I’ve been spending some time in Alsace, a historic region in northeastern France, also known as the Grand Est. Nestled along the Rhine River plain, it borders Germany and Switzerland and has a long history of shifting between French and German control. The region’s three largest cities – Strasbourg, Colmar, and Mulhouse – each have their own unique charm, making Alsace a fascinating blend of cultures and history. But with all the cute little towns around, which is prettier than the other?
I recently visited Colmar for the first time and have been to Strasbourg multiple times, and I absolutely love going back! But which is prettier and more beautiful? Let’s dive into Strasbourg vs. Colmar and see how they compare.
I have been to Mulhouse a few years back as well, which I really enjoyed (read here).
Strasbourg
I still remember visiting Strasbourg, back in 2018, before my 12 days Robert-Louis-Stevenson hike. I fell in love with this city on the spot, right there and then! With plenty of canals and pretty medieval houses, it is a very cute French city.
As the largest city of the Grand Est (Alsace) region, Strasbourg is not only a great place for art and culture, but also the official seat of the European Parliament. Who would have guessed?
Mixed with modern buildings, plenty of parks and the historical ‘La petite France’ (very cute part of the old city with local shops and restaurants) and the grand Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, I loved visiting Strasbourg from the beginning.
The vibe is great and there is no shortage of bistros and deli shops to give you a taste of France. Croissant anyone?
By now, I can’t count how many times I have been to Strasbourg. Especially since I am spending my European summers just 15km away from this gorgeous city. I have cycled through the Parc l’Orangerie, eaten ice cream in La Petite France and shopped inside the old town. Let’s say Strasbourg for me is hard to beat!
But then, I went to see Colmar!
Strasbourg vs Colmar story continues.. which is prettier?
Colmar
Oh, Colmar, you are absolutely stunning! Located 70 km south of Strasbourg, this charming city is the third largest in the Grand Est (Alsace) region—and it’s definitely worth a visit.
The old town is like a postcard come to life, with cobblestone streets, vibrant medieval buildings, and an almost fairy-tale-like atmosphere. Maybe it was the warm, sunny day when I visited, or the lively streets filled with people enjoying the outdoors, but the vibe was just perfect.
One thing is certain, I’ll definitely be back!
But to say which one is prettier? I really can’t tell.
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Strasbourg vs Colmar
Where there is La Petite France in Strasbourg you have La Petite Venice in Colmar, but the historical houses and streets are evenly cute and idyllic. I would maybe say Strasbourg has more culture to offer (there are plenty of museums to visit), however Colmar is very colourful. So each has their own charm, depending on what you prefer. Or just go and visit both. I know I will!
And while you’re there, don’t only stop at Strasbourg and Colmar. There is much more to see in the Grand Est Alsace region. Especially the little town Ribeauville, only 10km north of Colmar, and one of the oldest medieval towns in Alsace. It is a smaller version of colourful Colmar and one of my favourite little towns in this region.
Apparently the movie ‘Beauty and the Beast’ was inspired here. Remember the little town where Belle used to live? Well, here it is.
Furthermore, from here you can hike to the amazing St-Ulrich-Castle and many more. There are a lot of stunning castles between Strasbourg and Colmar, sitting at the edge of various hills, waiting to be hiked by me.
Read more about hiking the castles and the town Ribeauville here.
And if you not a hiker, then you will definitely enjoy driving the Alsace Wine Route. Stretching over 170 km through various picturesque villages and amazing landscape, it is apparently one of the oldest wine routes in France. So if you want to get the real French experience, this is the place to visit in France. Trust me!
Check out my other wine routes over the years
Driving Burgundy Wine Region of France
Following the Chianti Wine Route of Italy
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Strasbourg at night
While I am writing this blog post I have also managed to visit Strasbourg at night. The vibe in Strasbourg city in the evening was great. It felt almost normal again to be out and about, amongst other people, all dressed up, catching up with friends, having a drink and a laugh. Remember those pandemic days??
Furthermore, there is no better way to finish the evening with the Strasbourg light show. An event, where, every night in August the Notre Dame Cathedral gets lit up. Each year a different theme. I think it looked quite magical!
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