Rue des Marchands: A Journey Through Colmar's Historical Heart
Stroll through Colmar's enchanting Rue des Marchands, a pedestrian paradise of colorful half-timbered houses, artisan shops, and historical landmarks, offering a captivating glimpse into Alsatian charm.
Rue des Marchands, or Merchant Street, is a captivating thoroughfare in the heart of Colmar, France, brimming with history and Alsatian charm. This pedestrian-friendly street is renowned for its well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture, showcasing colorful half-timbered houses that evoke a fairytale ambiance. As you stroll along the 270-meter stretch, you'll encounter a delightful mix of shops selling local crafts, souvenirs, and gourmet treats. The street culminates in a picturesque square, offering stunning views of iconic landmarks like the Maison Pfister, a testament to Colmar's rich cultural heritage. Rue des Marchands provides an immersive experience, transporting visitors back in time while offering a vibrant glimpse into modern Colmar life. Whether you're admiring the architecture, indulging in local delicacies, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Rue des Marchands is an essential stop for any visitor to Colmar.
A brief summary to Rue des Marchands
- Colmar, 68000, FR
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the street is paved with cobblestones and you'll be doing a lot of walking.
- Explore the side streets and alleyways that branch off from Rue des Marchands to discover hidden gems and charming cafes.
- Look up! The architectural details on the buildings' facades are often overlooked but are worth admiring.
- Check the opening hours of shops and restaurants, as many are closed on Sundays.
Getting There
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Walking
Rue des Marchands is centrally located in Colmar's old town and is easily accessible on foot from most points within the city center. From the Unterlinden Museum, walk east along Rue Unterlinden, then turn right onto Rue des Clefs. Continue straight, and you'll find yourself on Rue des Marchands. From the Colmar train station, walk straight along Avenue de la République, cross the bridge over the Lauch River, and continue onto Grand Rue. Turn left onto any of the connecting streets, such as Rue des Tanneurs or Rue des Augustins, to reach Rue des Marchands. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye out for the distinctive Maison Pfister, which serves as a prominent landmark on Rue des Marchands.
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Public Transport
If arriving by bus, several TRACE bus lines stop near Rue des Marchands. The closest stops are 'Théâtre' or 'Saint-Dominique'. From either stop, it's a short walk to Rue des Marchands. Check the TRACE Colmar website or app for the most up-to-date bus schedules and routes. A single ticket ('Billet à l'Unité') costs €1.50 and is valid for one hour. Alternatively, a 'Billet Alsa + 24 heures Colmar Agglo' costs €3.50 and provides unlimited travel on all TRACE services within the Colmar agglomeration for 24 hours.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are available in Colmar. Simply request a drop-off at Rue des Marchands. Be aware that due to the pedestrianized nature of the street, the taxi may drop you off at the closest accessible point, such as Grand Rue or Place de l'École, from which you can easily walk the remaining distance. A short taxi ride from the train station to the edge of the pedestrian zone will typically cost between €8-€12, depending on traffic.
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Driving
Driving directly to Rue des Marchands is not possible due to its pedestrian zone status. The closest parking options include Parking Rapp and Parking Bleylé, both within a short walking distance. Parking Rapp offers hourly rates, with the first hour free during certain times. Parking Bleylé also offers competitive rates. On-street parking is available in designated zones, but spaces are limited and can be difficult to find. Parking rates vary depending on the zone, with green zones costing around €1.40 per hour and orange zones costing around €1.85 per hour. Be sure to check parking regulations and payment methods before leaving your vehicle. Some car parks in the city center offer free parking for the first hour.
Discover more about Rue des Marchands
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Maison au 4, rue Saint-Martin à Colmar
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Au Vieux Pignon
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Vieille ville
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Maison Wildungshof
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Pl. des Dominicains
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Kempfeneck
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Maison Kern
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Puits de 1584 à Colmar
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Pl. de l'Ancienne Douane
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Quartier des Tanneurs
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Domaine Martin JUND
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The Village Hansi & its Museum
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Fontaine du vigneron
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PETIT TRAIN TOURISTIQUE de COLMAR (VERT) - TRAIN'S
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Unmissable attractions to see
Musée Bartholdi
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Salle du Corps de Garde
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Zum Kragen
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Maison Schongauer
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Maison Pfister
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VINUM Colmar | Vins & Spiritueux | Caviste
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Pl. de la Cathédrale
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Collégiale Saint-Martin de Colmar
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Arbre de Judée (1791)
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Alsatian Wines Museum
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Choco Story Colmar
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Grenier médiéval
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Nid de Cigognes
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Manneken-Pis de Colmar
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Rue de l'Église
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Essential places to dine
La pergola
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L’Arpège
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Le Bistrot des Copains
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L'Atelier du Peintre
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Restaurant du Marché
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Restaurant La Soï
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Le 3
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L'Amandine
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La Cocotte de Grand-Mère
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Le Fer Rouge
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Jadis et Gourmande
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Restaurant L’Escale
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Le Stam
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Schwendi Bier und Wistub
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CHEZ RAPHY AU CORDON BLEU DE COLMAR
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fortwenger Spices Breads
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La Sommeliere
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La Magie de Noël
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Le Comptoir de Mathilde
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The Store
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Goodvibes Colmar
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Alsace Boutique
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La Belle Alsace
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Namasté
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Boutique Marine-Laure ( magasin de prêt à porter féminin )
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Le Hameau
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Le coin de l'artisane
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Le petit Souk Colmar
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Core to Core
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Impulsion Cadeaux Souvenirs
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Café des Marchands
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MANNALA PILS
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Les Augustins
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Le Major'L
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Le Shelby Colmar
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Le Murphy's
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L’Un des Sens | Assiettes gourmandes et canons à partager au bar à vin intimiste du vieux Colmar
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DEER AND BEER
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Pub James'On
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Les Incorruptibles
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Chez Moi
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The 3 Monkeys
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O'Rabbit's Irish Pub
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Le Cercle Des Aromes
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K Bar
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