MERCADILLOS NAVIDEÑOS DE COLMAR DESDE BILBAO

About the destination: Basel is Switzerland's third most populous city. Located where the Swiss, French and German borders meet. Located in northwest Switzerland on the river Rhine, Basel functions as a major industrial centre for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. The Basel region, culturally extending into German Baden-Württemberg and French Alsace, reflects the heritage of its three states in the modern Latin name: ""Regio TriRhena"". It has the oldest university of the Swiss Confederation (1460). Basel is among the most important cultural centres of Switzerland. The city comprises a large number of theatres and many museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the world's oldest art collection accessible to the public. In addition, the Theater Basel was chosen in 1999 as the best stage for German-language performances. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • The Gates to the Walled City. A (third) ring of fortifications around the whole old city was constructed after the great earthquake of 1356. • Marktplatz, Market square. Fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and pastries, flowers are available each working day. • Rathaus (Town Hall) Right on Marktplatz, this beautifully renovated Renaissance palace is still in official use, but you can enter the courtyard on your own, or join a guided tour.

About the destination:

Booking a hotel in Colmar puts you at the core of Alsace's historic heritage and winemaking traditions. Securing your accommodation early guarantees central locations within walking distance of medieval landmarks, seasonal celebrations, and regional transit links.

Useful Travel Information

Colmar is located in north-eastern France, 70 kilometres south of Strasbourg and 60 kilometres north of EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg. The city is connected via the French TGV network and regional TER trains, making it accessible from major European transport hubs.

Why Choose Colmar

• Central position on the Alsace Wine Route, ideal for daily excursions to surrounding villages.
• Compact, fully pedestrianized historic district that simplifies city breaks on foot.
• Renowned gastronomic identity blending French culinary technique with Germanic tradition.
• Reliable rail and road links to Strasbourg, Mulhouse, and the Black Forest.

Key Tourist Attractions

• La Petite Venise: Picture-lined canals bordered by preserved timbered merchant buildings.
• Unterlinden Museum: Housed in a 13th-century convent, home to the famous Isenheim Altarpiece.
• Maison des Têtes & Maison Pfister: Historic architectural monuments from the Renaissance era.
• Saint-Martin Collegiate Church: Monumental Gothic parish church anchored in Place de la Cathédrale.

Where to Stay & Accommodation Types

The Old Town suits travellers seeking immediate access to dining and sights without relying on public transit. The district surrounding the central train station provides practical value for multi-city rail journeys. Couples often prefer boutique hotels along the canals, while families benefit from serviced apartments or chain hotels offering on-site parking.

• Hôtel Le Colombier: Refined 4-star boutique hotel located in the heart of Little Venice.
• Grand Hôtel Bristol: Classical accommodation situated directly opposite the TGV station.
• Hôtel Saint-Martin: Authentic half-timbered architecture positioned within the pedestrian centre.
• James Boutique Hôtel: Modern design hotel providing easy vehicle access and private parking.
• Hôtel Turenne: Functional comfort located at the entrance to the historic district.

Colmar Christmas Markets

Colmar transforms into Europe's premier winter destination between late November and late December. The historic center organizes six specialized Christmas markets connected by illuminated walking paths across the pedestrian zone. Place de l'Ancienne Douane features craft chalets surrounding the Schwendi fountain, while the medieval Koïfhus building hosts indoor exhibitions of glassmakers, woodcarvers, and master potters. Place Jeanne d'Arc showcases regional gastronomy, offering Alsace white wines, gingerbread, Munster cheese, and cured meats. Families gather around the Little Venice market, known for wooden toys and an animated nativity scene. Place des Dominicains frames dozens of stalls beneath 14th-century stained glass windows, creating a distinct visual setting. Over these five weeks, evening light displays accent the city's canals and historic timber façades. The concentrated festive atmosphere draws high regional and international demand, making advance reservations essential for securing rooms near the central squares.

When to Travel & How to Save

Late November to December offers the full Christmas market experience, while May to September provides warm weather for cycling and wine tastings. To secure competitive rates in December, reserve rooms 6 to 9 months ahead and choose mid-week stays from Sunday to Thursday to avoid weekend surcharges.

Tips Before Booking

Check vehicle access if your hotel sits within the pedestrian perimeter, verify breakfast inclusions, and book train transfers or car hire simultaneously with your room to coordinate arrival times smoothly.

Advantages of Booking with Ratonviajero.com

• Precios muy competitivos for urban breaks, boutique stays, and seasonal trips.
• Amplia oferta de hoteles covering central Colmar and the Wine Route.
• Proceso de reserva sencillo completed in clear, direct steps.
• Atención al cliente ready to assist your travel arrangements.
• Confirmación rápida de la reserva sent instantly to your inbox.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which airport is closest to Colmar? EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg sits 45 minutes away by train or car.
• Do I need a car to explore Colmar? The city centre is completely walkable; trains easily reach Strasbourg and Mulhouse.
• When do the Christmas markets open? They typically run from the last weekend of November through the end of December.
• Is Colmar practical for visiting Wine Route villages? Yes, local buses and Christmas shuttles link Colmar directly to Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg.
• What local dish is essential to try? Tarte flambée (flammekueche) and baeckeoffe paired with local Pinot Blanc or Riesling.

Review available dates on Ratonviajero.com today to secure competitive rates on your Colmar accommodation.

About the destination: Basel is Switzerland's third most populous city. Located where the Swiss, French and German borders meet. Located in northwest Switzerland on the river Rhine, Basel functions as a major industrial centre for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. The Basel region, culturally extending into German Baden-Württemberg and French Alsace, reflects the heritage of its three states in the modern Latin name: ""Regio TriRhena"". It has the oldest university of the Swiss Confederation (1460). Basel is among the most important cultural centres of Switzerland. The city comprises a large number of theatres and many museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the world's oldest art collection accessible to the public. In addition, the Theater Basel was chosen in 1999 as the best stage for German-language performances. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • The Gates to the Walled City. A (third) ring of fortifications around the whole old city was constructed after the great earthquake of 1356. • Marktplatz, Market square. Fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and pastries, flowers are available each working day. • Rathaus (Town Hall) Right on Marktplatz, this beautifully renovated Renaissance palace is still in official use, but you can enter the courtyard on your own, or join a guided tour.