An Alsatian wonderland

experience that is Colmar.

OF TWO COUNTRIES

History buffs might have heard the name Alsace Lorraine as the disputed region, which switched hands between Germany and France repeatedly and also partly contributed to both the World Wars. For those who haven’t, let me elaborate.

After several years of the Swedish rule in the 17th century, Colmar joined the Kingdom of France. But after 1871 (with the defeat of Napoleon III), the city became a part of Germany until World War I. It was then reoccupied by the Germans during World War II. After Germany was defeated, it was the last town in France to be liberated at the end of the war and it has been a part of France ever since. Owing to its swinging past, the locals switch between German and French languages effortlessly. It is no surprise that one will notice the German influence on Colmar’s architecture — overflowing with half timbered medieval buildings and flower-lined canals.

Walking on the streets of Colmar, I could see my childhood fairytales come to life. There’s a wooden bell tower perfect for Rapunzel to let her hair down, tiny cottages that would make the perfect home for the Gingerbread man and a candy coloured bakery that Hansel and Gretel would have frequented.

Any direction you look, there are pastel waterside houses, balconies overflowing with blooms and windows with heart cutouts.

LITTLE VENICE

The weekend was cold and it was a bit overcast, whic added to the chill. However, that didn’ stop me from walking around the town.

I reached the peak of prettiness in the area near the Quai de Poissonniers nicknamed Petite Venise. A walk here led me to the St Peter’s Bridge where the view was a picture-perfect row of half-timbered houses by the canals. Some houses even date back to the 17th century. Also, known as the merchants’ quarters, this is where the butchers, fishermen, pastry chefs and tanners lived back in the day.

Having stopped at a nearby cheese and sausage stall, the owner shared a very likeable fact about Petit Venise. If he is to be believed, the variety of colours the buildings adorned has a story to tell. Back in the day, different colours were used to disp the types of businesses — so for example, if you were a baker, your house would be pink or a fisherman would have a red house.

THE CANAL TOUR

One cannot just come to Colmar and not take a canal tour. I decided to take one, and explore a different side of the town from the boat.

The 30-minute boat tour slowly glided over the shallow water and passed through the residential district, the vere arket d the city tre. The n who was ing mentioned that e boats were originally used by the market gardeners to transport their vegetables to the markets.

Once, I got off the boat tour, I walked into the Colmar Cathedral. The impressive spire of St Martin’s Church can be seen from many points around town, but it is definitely worth a look up close — both the ornate facade and the beautifully decorated interior. However, St Martin’s Church is not a cathedral (as it is not under the control of a bishop) and is only called so due to its massive structure.

Further ahead, I saw a red building on the edge of the market in Petit Venise, designed in 1865 that is home to merchants providing the best olive oil, smelly cheese and all other perfect produce you would expect for in a French city.

ON THE GO

You can also rent a bicycle and ride on the Alsatian wine route. It is a great way to explore Colmar’s countryside and another beautiful village nearby called Eguisheim.

Alternatively, you could also visit the Unterlinden Museum which covers nearly 7000 years of history. The primary area of the museum is the one that houses the Isenheim Altarpiece dating back to 1515. It is a two-sided painting done on hinged panels that the priests could move depending on the season.

Looking back, Colmar was all about some street shopping, trying some traditional Alsatian biscuits and local charcuterie. This indeed is the most picturesque setting in all of France.