Château d'Eau: Colmar's Gothic Water Tower
Discover Colmar's historic Château d'Eau, a stunning neo-Gothic water tower in a peaceful park, reflecting the city's rich architectural heritage.
Colmar's Château d'Eau, or water tower, is a distinctive historical monument showcasing German neo-Gothic architectural style. Constructed between 1884 and 1886 under the direction of architect Jean-Baptiste-Victor Huen and engineer Henri Grüner, the tower played a crucial role in regulating Colmar's drinking water supply, sourced from municipal plants starting in July 1884. Rising to a height of 53 meters, the Château d'Eau has a capacity of 1200 m3. Its design is characterized by pointed arches and remarkable facade details. Situated on one of the highest points in the city, the tower has been an integral part of Colmar's skyline since 1886. Decommissioned in 1984, the Château d'Eau is the oldest preserved water tower in Alsace. From 1959 to 1985, it temporarily housed the collections of the natural history and ethnography museum. Today, the tower is located within the Parc du Château d'Eau, also known as the Parc de la Cour d'Appel, offering a serene environment with mature trees and a rose garden. Visitors can stroll through the park and admire the tower's architecture from the outside.
Local tips
- Enjoy a leisurely walk around the Parc du Château d'Eau, admiring the mature trees and rose garden.
- While the interior is not accessible, the tower's exterior provides excellent photo opportunities.
- Visit the nearby Cour d'Appel (Court of Appeal), another example of early 20th-century architecture.
A brief summary to château d'eau
- Av. Raymond Poincaré, Colmar, 68000, FR
Getting There
-
Walking
From Colmar city center, such as the Unterlinden Museum, walk south along the main streets, following signs towards Avenue Raymond Poincaré. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. The Château d'Eau is located in a park setting, adjacent to the Cour d'Appel.
-
Public Transport
The Trace bus network serves Colmar and its surrounding areas. Several bus lines have stops near Avenue Raymond Poincaré. Check the Trace Colmar website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A single ticket costs around €2.
-
Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services are available in Colmar. A short ride from the city center to the Château d'Eau area will typically cost between €8-€12, depending on traffic and the specific service.
