Little Venice, or Petite Venise, is the name Colmar gives to the stretch of the river Lauch that runs through the southeast of the old town, and it is the picture most people carry home from the city. Tall half-timbered houses in cream, ochre, pink and blue lean over the water, their balconies and window boxes spilling over with flowers in summer, while willow branches trail in the current and low stone bridges cross at intervals. The quarter begins behind the Koïfhus, the old customs house in the middle of town, and follows the Quai de la Poissonnerie, the Fishmongers’ Wharf, through the former fishmongers’ district as far as the Turenne and Saint-Pierre bridges. It also marks the start of the Krutenau, a district whose name recalls the market gardens that once ringed the town, and the area was first home to a rural community of winemakers, market gardeners and boatmen who lived and worked beside the river. That history is still visible in the shape of the houses, many of which have wide lofts and gables built for storage. Boat rides are possible along the canal, with the boatmen poling flat-bottomed punts under the bridges while they point out the sights, which makes a relaxed twenty-five minutes for those who want to see the quarter from the water. Little Venice is also the setting for the children’s Christmas market in December, when lights and decorations reflect on the river. Evenings add a different mood, as the lamps come on and the reflections of the facades wobble in the water, and Colmar’s compact size means you can take in the quarter, a museum and a long lunch in a single unhurried day without ever needing transport.
How to visit
Little Venice is a ten-minute walk from the Unterlinden Museum and about twenty minutes on foot from Colmar station, which is thirty or so minutes by regional train from Strasbourg. The quarter is compact and flat, and the quays are open to walkers at any hour, so there is nothing to book unless you want a boat ride. Boat rides run in the warmer months and depend on the weather and the river level, so check on the day, and expect to queue at the embarkation point on sunny weekends.
What to expect
The best photographs come in the early morning, before the tour groups arrive, and again in the evening, when the lamps come on and the reflections turn the water gold. During the day the lanes around the Fishmongers’ Wharf are busy, so keep your patience and look up, because many of the finest facades are above eye level.
Restaurants along the quay serve Alsatian classics such as flammekueche and choucroute, but tables with a view are the first to fill, so reserve for weekends. The cobbles are uneven and strollers can struggle, although the lanes are short.
Making the most of it
Combine Little Venice with the Toy Museum, the Museum of Alsatian Wines and Choco Story, which are all a short stroll away, and finish the day on the Place de l’Ancienne Douane. In winter the quarter is quieter and the lights are special, but daylight hours are short, so start early. If you are based in Strasbourg, a train trip to Colmar can be combined with a stop on the Wine Route.
What to expect
The experience
A walk along the river Lauch and the Fishmongers’ Wharf, with an optional punt ride under the bridges.
Best time
Early morning or early evening for photographs; in December for the lights and the children’s market.
How long
One to two hours, longer with a boat ride and a meal on the quay.
Tips
Reserve quayside restaurants for weekends and check the weather and river level before queueing for a boat.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Photographers, couples and anyone who wants the classic image of Colmar.
- Families
- The flat lanes and the punt ride suit children, and the December children’s market is a treat.
- Couples
- Come at dusk, when the lamps come on, and dine on the quay.
- Pair with
- The Unterlinden Museum, the Toy Museum and Choco Story, all within a short walk.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Where is Little Venice in Colmar?+
It lies along the Quai de la Poissonnerie in the southeast of the old town, starting behind the Koïfhus and running to the Turenne and Saint-Pierre bridges.
Can I take a boat ride in Little Venice?+
Yes, boat rides are possible along the canal in the warmer months, depending on the weather and the water level.
How do I get from Strasbourg to Colmar?+
Take the regional train from Strasbourg station, which takes around half an hour. Little Venice is about twenty minutes on foot from Colmar station.
Is Little Venice free to visit?+
Yes, the quays and bridges are public and open at any hour. You only pay for a boat ride, a meal or a museum.
What is the best time of day to go?+
Early morning and early evening are the calmest and the best for photographs, while midday on weekends is the busiest.
