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Historic neighborhood · Colmar, Grande Leste
Petite Venise
Section of Colmar on the banks of the Lauch river, with colourful half-timbered houses leaning over the water, former homes of horticulturists and fishermen.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Petite Venise
La Petite Venise is the stretch of Colmar where the Lauch river runs between colourful half-timbered houses, with balconies and flower-filled windows over the water. The name likens the place to Venice because of the canals, but the atmosphere is that of an Alsatian village: low houses, short bridges and flat-bottomed boats.
The neighbourhood was part of Colmar's Krutenau, a suburb of horticulturists who took vegetables by boat to the city's covered market. The Marché couvert itself, a 19th-century iron-and-brick market, sits by the canal and still operates, with stalls selling cheese, cold cuts and regional products.
The best-known view is from the bridge on Rue Saint-Pierre, where the houses are reflected in the Lauch. In the warmest season, boatmen offer short canal rides, departing from points near the market.
In December, Petite Venise hosts one of Colmar's Christmas markets aimed at children, and the façades get special lighting.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 1h30 on foot; add about 30 minutes if you take the boat ride.
Best time
Early in the morning, before tour groups, or in the late afternoon. In December, the Christmas markets usually run from late November to late December and the neighbourhood gets very crowded.
How to get there
It's in the south of the historic centre, about a 15-minute walk from the Gare de Colmar and 5 minutes from the Collégiale Saint-Martin.
Tip
Stop by the Marché couvert to buy munster cheese, a pretzel or a kougelhopf to eat by the canal. The boat ride depends on water level and the season: check locally.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Petite Venise
Can you take a boat ride in Petite Venise?
Yes, in the warmer season there are short rides in flat-bottomed boats along the Lauch canals. Times depend on the season and the water level; check locally.
What's the best spot to photograph Petite Venise?
The bridge on Rue Saint-Pierre, where you can see the row of colourful houses reflected in the canal.
Is Colmar's covered market worth a visit?
It's worth it to sample and buy products from Alsácia, such as munster cheese, cured meats and sweets. It's by the canal, next to Petite Venise.