Enchanting Colmar: A Fairytale Town in Alsace

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh re-vwar]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ree-ahn]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwah/day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwar luh meh-nyuh, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-puh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-puh-lay uh mayd-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shtay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhoost]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell ur ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay tun ur]
• Half past (10)Dix et demi
  [dees ay dem-ee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor dewee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un/Une
  [uhn/oon]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est un/le...?
  [oo ay uh/luh]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Colmar, located in the northeastern region of Alsace, France, was first mentioned in historical records in the 9th century. It was founded during the Carolingian dynasty and became a significant market town in the medieval period. Its strategic location near the Rhine River made it an important hub for trade and commerce.

In 1226, Colmar was granted the status of a Free Imperial City by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. This allowed the city to govern itself, collect taxes, and maintain a degree of autonomy. The city flourished under this status, developing a rich urban culture and a robust economy.

Colmar experienced significant growth and prosperity during the Renaissance. This period saw the construction of many of the city's most famous buildings, including the House of Heads, adorned with 106 grotesque masks, and the Pfister House, which showcases a blend of medieval and Renaissance architectural styles. The city's well-preserved old town is a testament to its historical affluence.

The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) had a substantial impact on Colmar, leading to periods of occupation by both Swedish and Imperial troops. Following the war, the Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 resulted in Alsace, including Colmar, being ceded to France. This marked the beginning of French influence in the region.

During the French Revolution, Colmar, like many other cities, witnessed significant social and political upheaval. The city became part of the Haut-Rhin department in 1790. The 19th century brought industrialization, which transformed Colmar’s economy and infrastructure, contributing to its modern development.

Colmar's strategic location made it a contested city during both World Wars. It was annexed by Germany after the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, returned to France in 1918, annexed again by Nazi Germany in 1940, and finally liberated by the Allies in 1945. These turbulent times left a profound impact on the city's identity and architecture.

Colmar is renowned for its cultural and artistic heritage. It is the birthplace of the famous sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, creator of the Statue of Liberty. The city is also home to the Unterlinden Museum, which houses the Isenheim Altarpiece, a masterpiece of German Renaissance art. Colmar’s vibrant cultural scene continues to attract artists and visitors alike.

Today, Colmar is celebrated for its picturesque old town, with cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and charming canals. It is a major tourist destination, known for its Alsatian wine route and annual Christmas markets. The city's rich history and well-preserved architecture offer visitors a unique glimpse into its storied past.

Colmar is located in the Alsace region of northeastern France. The nearest international airport is EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, approximately 70 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a train or a bus to Colmar. The journey by train takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour. Alternatively, you can fly into Strasbourg International Airport, which is about 75 kilometers from Colmar. Direct trains from Strasbourg to Colmar take approximately 30-40 minutes. Colmar is also well-connected by train to major French cities such as Paris and Lyon.

Colmar is a compact city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For exploring the city, you can rent a bike or use the local bus service (TRACE). Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. For those interested in exploring the surrounding Alsatian countryside, renting a car is a convenient option. The city also offers a small tourist train that provides guided tours around the old town.

The official currency in France is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Colmar. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or market purchases. ATMs are available throughout the city, and you can use your international cards to withdraw cash. Most establishments also accept contactless payment methods.

Colmar is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Colmar, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas.

In case of emergency, dial 112, the European emergency number, for immediate assistance. Colmar has a local police station and medical facilities, including the Pasteur Hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress stylishly but comfortably. Avoid overly casual attire when dining out at nicer restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding buses or trains. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bonjour' and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Tarte Flambée and Alsatian wines. Don't rush through meals; dining is a leisurely activity in France.

To experience Colmar like a local, visit the Marché Couvert (covered market) for fresh produce and local delicacies. Explore the lesser-known neighborhoods, like the Quartier des Tanneurs, for a more authentic experience. Participate in local festivals and events, such as the Colmar International Festival and the Christmas markets. Rent a bike and explore the scenic vineyards and picturesque villages surrounding Colmar. Don't miss a boat ride through the canals of Little Venice for a unique perspective of the city.