Exploring the Little Venice district

Allow at least an hour to explore the Little Venice district at your leisure. But if you can, we advise you to allow more time to stop off at a terrace, browse the little shops in the area, and maybe even take a boat trip. To make sure you don't miss a thing, we've put together a selection of places to visit.

The Tanneurs district

Start your stroll in the rue des Tanneurs, lined with tall half-timbered houses squeezed along the canal. They were once home to the families of tanners who lived, worked and dried their hides on the top floor. The Tanneurs district was completely restored in the 1970s to create a charming neighbourhood.

The covered market

Colmar's covered market is one of the most famous in Alsace. Bordered by the Lauch River, the architectural style of the market stands in stark contrast to the half-timbered houses on the other side of the river.

Quai de la Poissonnerie

This is where the town's fishermen used to live. Today, this quay is best known for its beautiful colourful facades reflected in the river.

Rue de la Poissonnerie

Rue de la Poissonnerie is an extension of Quai de la Poissonnerie. Half-timbered houses line both sides of the street. Narrow and pedestrianised, rue de la Poissonnerie has the feel of a pretty little village.

The Pont de l'abreuvoir

From this bridge, you can enjoy a superb view of the Petite Venise district. Here, the river narrows between two rows of old houses. It's a sight to behold at any time of year: in summer, with the flowering facades of the houses, and at Christmas, with the illuminations.

The Petite Venise passage

This little passageway takes you about ten metres along the course of the Lauch.

Generally less frequented by tourists, you can see moorhens, swans, mallards and even coypu! This is also where you'll find the landing stage for a boat trip.

The Pont Saint-Pierre

The Pont Saint-Pierre is undoubtedly the best view of Little Venice! Here, the river is lined on either side by half-timbered houses and beautiful vegetation, with the bell tower of the collegiate church of Saint-Martin in the background. A picture-postcard setting!

The Place des Six Montagnes noires

The tour ends on the Place des Six Montagnes noires, also surrounded by beautiful Alsatian houses. In the centre of the square stands the Roesselmann fountain, a 19th-century work by the famous Colmar sculptor Auguste Bartholdi.

Discovering Little Venice from a boat is perhaps the best way to appreciate this picturesque district. Aboard a flat-bottomed boat, you'll discover all the charm of this authentic area with its half-timbered houses, while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The walk takes you as far as the market garden district, where you can admire the lush greenery. The tour lasts around 30 minutes and includes a commentary with anecdotes and historical information about the district. A peaceful break during your visit!

Hôtel Le Maréchal is located on the Place des Six Montagnes noires. Nestling in a large timber-framed mansion dating back to 1565, this charming 4-star hotel offers a classic yet chic atmosphere.