Destination Colmar, France. It’s an early Thursday morning at the Gare D’est train station in Paris. We are travelling to the town of Colmar, a small town east of Paris inthe Alsace-Lorraine region for a Christmas extravaganza in the little town Colmar, known for its wonderful Christmas decorations, markets, and famous people.
Old World Charm
There’s nothing I have experienced in the US like being in Colmar at Christmas. People stroll along the cobbled streets between century old buildings and churches, and across bridges over narrow wateraway stopping by outdoor Christmas markets selling ornaments, and local foods and and drink.
Colmar has quite a history. As Wikipedia notes, “ The city is renowned for its well-preserved old town, its numerous architectural landmarks and its museums, among which is the Unterlinden Museum, which houses the Isenheim Altarpiece. Colmar is located on the Alsatian Wine Route and considers itself to be the capital of Alsatian wine (capitale des vins d’Alsace).”
For example, Hansi, Jean-Jacques Waltz (1873-1951,is a local hero who was a prolific illustrator. Working as a journalist, he made fun of the Nazis and was beat up and left for dead, but survived and and fought in the resistance. There’s an interesting museum about him and his work.
Visit the Hansi museum. “The Village of Hansi and his Museum is located in front of the famous “Maison des Têtes”. Come in and discover the city of Colmar in the lifetime of the famous artist Jean-Jacques Waltz, so called “Hansi”. Find out about the fascinating World of Hansi in our Museum on the first floor. Nowadays as a part of the alsatian cultural heritage, his original artworks will allow you to dive into the romantic and fascinating Alsace that he experienced.”
Further Information
For further information about the Colmar area, visit the tourism site.