July 29th ~ Colmar, France
Colmar, France (Little Venice area)
Departing from Basel, and leaving Switzerland behind, our ship next docked in Breisach, Germany but our tour was to Colmar, France. I think that amounted to three countries in less than 24 hours.
Colmar is in the Alsace region and has bounced back and forth between being under the French flag or German. Its origins date back to around 823, and it was the last city in France to be freed during World War II.
Tim and Joanne in Colmar
Certainly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, it is a must see for pure charm, striking architecture, great wine and food, and of course “Little Venice”.
Colmar’s Little Venice
The half timber homes are most common in the old town section and are painted a variety of sorbet shades. Fun carvings may stand guard on the corners. Squares host amusing statues, some of which were done by Auguste Bartholdi, the French sculptor who designed the Statue of Liberty.
Half timber homes
The Bartholdi Museum, located in the home he was born in, tells more of his life story and presents many examples of his work.
In the courtyard at the Bartholdi Museum
Street musicians could be found playing a variety of instruments.
Not sure what this instrument is. Any ideas?
He seemed to be playing more for himself than for anyone else
The store signs are pieces of art themselves. Giving a description or telling a story about the trade or product available in the shop, they would catch the eye as you walked past.
The local food and wine are worthy of inspection or tasting.
A variety of local food offerings
And of course the post would not be complete without at least one church 🙂
St. Martin’s Church is Roman Catholic and made out of pink stone. Archeological findings show a foundation dating back to around the year 1000, but the current building was constructed between 1234 and 1365 as the church of a college devoted to the cult of Martin of Tours.
St. Martin Church
How about these ear muffs and forehead doilies!!!
Aren’t you jealous you did not think of this first?
I think a kind of Coleus, but much deeper purple than I am used to seeing
And our day was ended with this glorious sunset. We are off to a VERY good start!
Sunset reflection on the Rhine River
GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am grateful for seeing a horse with blue ear coverings, very purple leaves on a common plant, and a brilliant sunset over the river. Life is good…
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A Note From Abroad 
Nice photos! We have been enjoying your Alps adventures and now your cruise…we were just in both places and your blog is fun to follow! Safe and happy travels to you both.
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Thank you so much Reg and Sue. We appreciate you following along!
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Hammered Dulcimer is the musical instrument.
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Ray, thank you so much for identifying it for us. I have heard of that instrument but did not remember what it looks like.
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that was going to be my guess, too, although the case looks very different from those I have seen.
It looks like a brilliantly colorful day! Glad you are off to such a good start. 🙂
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And that sunset topped it all off…
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I have so many photos of those fabulous store signs!
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They kept grabbing my attention.
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What a very charming town. Beautiful buildings and such intricate signs. Oh, and the food looked amazing!
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So many gourmet food choices. So much fun to window shop here.
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Thanks for sharing this wonderful trip we should have been on. You look great.
Alice & Rod
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I would have loved it if you had been with us. You two would have loved every minute of it.
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Must visit some day. Beautiful pictures.
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It is well worth a visit! Thank you for your kind compliment on our pictures.
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Every time I see the wonderfully colored buildings I wonder why most of our buildings in the US are so colorless in comparison. Great photos, Joanne. –Curt
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I agree that by comparison, most of our buildings fall flat in the color department. Perhaps when/if some of them survive a few hundred years they can get a marvelous touch-up 😃
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There is hope, Joanne. I see so many communities that are now saving their historic districts. And many of the older buildings come with a bit of personality! –Curt
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What a beautiful town! Must put it on the list!
Alison
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Colmar is a beauty. One of our favorite stops along the Rhine River.
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Thanks for liking one of my posts & leading me to your blog- lovely to see your pictures of Colmar, a place that was once my home! Alsace is a gorgeous region. Look forward to reading more of your posts!
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Thank you Rosie and welcome. We really enjoyed seeing and experiencing your beautiful homeland.
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I was just in Colmar last and loved everything about it! The architecture is just so charming.
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Germany certainly has a certain look that sets her apart doesn’t she.
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