A small but beautiful city in Europe looks like it’s pulled from the “pages of a fairytale”.

Located in the Alsace region of northeast France, the city of Colmar is known for its Old Town, architectural landmarks, and museums.

Nestled among vineyards, the city’s traditional houses, canals, floral displays, cuisine, and famous wines make it beloved by tourists.

Despite its 67,000 inhabitants, Colmar retains a ‘country town’ atmosphere, which contributes much to its charm. The cityscape even inspired the Japanese animated film Howl’s Moving Castle.

Wonderfully preserved, its historic centre is classed as a ‘protected area’ and has benefited from careful restoration and ongoing improvements for more than 20 years.

The Old Town’s streets are lined with shops offering “made in Alsace” products including food, table accents, textiles, déco, accessories, and soft furnishings.

Colourful timber-framed merchants’ houses make Colmar distinct. Among them are the Adolf house, the oldest in Colmar, and the Pfister house, built in the 16th century with its ornate windows, richly painted murals and long wooden gallery.

Another must-see is the majestic House of Heads. Built in the 17th century in the German Renaissance style, it is decorated with 111 masks and a magnificent three-storey oriel window.

An area crossed by canals of the river Lauch that formerly served as the butcher’s, tanner’s, and fishmonger’s quarter is now called “little Venice”.

Over 1,000 lights enhance the city’s architecture. They are illuminated on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the year and every evening during major events like the International Festival, Regional Alsace Wine Fair, and Christmas in Colmar.

The city is also located on the Alsatian Wine Route and considers itself to be the capital of Alsatian wine. The wine route is a 110-mile road that crosses the main wine-producing areas of the region, with 37 wine-growing communities. 

Colmar also considers itself to be the capital of Alsatian wine. It produces some of the most noted dry Rieslings in the world as well as highly aromatic Gewürztraminer wines. 

Reviewers on Tripadvisor called the city a “must-see destination” that’s like “stepping into the pages of a fairytale”. In particular, visitors recommended Little Venice and the gingerbread shops.