A Magical Weekend in Alsace: Exploring Colmar and Eguisheim

It wasn’t long ago that I discovered Alsace, a stunning region in northeastern France, known for its enchanting old-town charm and festive ambiance. After seeing real-time photos on Instagram, I just knew Alsace had to be on my holiday season travel list. With a weekend off work, I spontaneously booked a last-minute trip, squeezing in what I called “the trip before the final trip of the year.”

 

Colmar: A Fairytale Come to Life

I arrived in Colmar in the afternoon, greeted by light rain—one of those moments when you wish you had checked the weather beforehand!

Pro Tip: Check the weather daily in the week leading up to your trip so you can pack appropriately.

Despite the drizzle, Colmar’s charm shone through. The town is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore in just a few hours. For parking, I recommend Parking Turenne, which is close to La Petite Venise, my favorite starting point. If it’s full (common on weekends), head to Parking Saint-Josse, a nearby multi-story parking facility.

Source: Instagram: @christofs70

Must-See Landmarks in Colmar

From La Petite Venise, I made my way to the iconic Schwendi Fountain, where a delightful Christmas market awaits. Here, a pink house adorned with a Christmas tree perfectly captured the magic of Colmar—it’s the image that now springs to mind whenever I think of the town. Naturally, I grabbed a cup of Glühwein to warm up (and came back for seconds later!).

Fun Fact: Colmar hosts six Christmas markets, each with its unique vibe. You can find an illustrated map of them here.

Another standout photo spot is Au Vieux Pignon, located near Ancienne Douane. From here, you can capture the picturesque alley framed by enchanting lights and decorations.

After exploring a few more alleyways and indulging in some sweet treats, I wandered to the Place Jeanne d’Arc Christmas Market, which stood out for its variety of stalls and bustling atmosphere.

Dining in Colmar: I wrapped up my evening with dinner at Aux Armes de Colmar. The food was exceptional! I savored foie gras and tried tarte flambée for the first time—an Alsatian specialty akin to a thin-crust pizza.

Eguisheim: A Cozy Fairytale Village

The next day, I headed to Eguisheim, just a 15-minute drive from Colmar. Smaller and even cozier, Eguisheim instantly felt like stepping into a storybook.

Lunch Fit for Royalty

Lunch here turned into a culinary adventure. I tried escargots for the first time—deliciously cooked in garlic and herbs—and a duck entrée paired with fried duck liver that melted in my mouth. Every bite was worth savoring! If you’re in Eguisheim, don’t miss this unforgettable dining experience.

Exploring Eguisheim

After lunch, we left our car parked at the restaurant and walked to the town center—a convenient 5-minute stroll. The Christmas market decorations here were my favorite! There was live piano music, horse-drawn carriage rides, and charming signs guiding us to the market.

The centerpiece of the town is Château Saint-Léon, and though Eguisheim is small, its beauty lies in its intimate streets and festive spirit. I wandered down quaint alleys, snapped a few photos, and circled back to the Christmas market before calling it a day.

Source: Instagram: @chloe_penderie

Tips for Visiting Alsace

With only a weekend in Alsace, I could only explore Colmar and Eguisheim, but there’s so much more to see! After returning home, I created a map of recommended towns to help you plan your trip.

Towns to Visit in Alsace (Suggested Order):

1. Mulhouse
2. Eguisheim
3. Colmar
4. Riquewihr
5. Strasbourg

Each town has unique photo spots, mouthwatering food, and its own Christmas market vibe. Whether you have a weekend or a week, Alsace is perfect for creating magical holiday memories.

Final Thoughts

Experiencing Christmas markets in Europe for the first time was everything I dreamed of and more. The decorations, the festive crowds, and the warm ambiance made Alsace a truly magical destination. Whether you’re snapping photos, sipping Glühwein, or indulging in local delicacies, a weekend in Alsace offers just the right mix of charm and holiday cheer.

So, if you’re planning your next winter escape, Alsace deserves a top spot on your list.

What’s your favorite winter destination? Let me know in the comments!

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