Colmar is a charming town that offers more than just picturesque streets and delightful architecture—it’s also an excellent spot to get creative. Its local workshops and classes invite visitors to dive into authentic experiences, whether that’s crafting chocolate, baking holiday cookies, or exploring Alsace’s famed wines and perfumes. Our favorite? The Chocolate creation workshop at Choco-Story stands out for its friendly atmosphere, expert guidance, and the chance to make your own pralines. It’s a perfect activity for families or friends wanting a sweet souvenir and a behind-the-scenes look at chocolate artistry.
While Colmar’s culinary and artistic workshops are diverse, some stand out more than others. Whether you’re interested in exploring the fragrant world of Alsace perfumes or learning to bake traditional Christmas cookies, there’s something tailored to your tastes. The list below highlights the best options, balancing fun, skill-building, and culture.
1. Colmar: Chocolate creation workshop at Choco-Story
At number one, the Chocolate creation workshop at Choco-Story offers a sweet hands-on experience that’s hard to beat. For about $51.59, you get roughly 2.5 hours of activity that combines a 45-minute chocolate-making session with a 1.5-hour audio-guided tour of the museum. The workshop is designed to be accessible and fun, whether you’re with family or friends, and even children are warmly welcomed.
Participants learn the secrets of a master chocolatier, from tempering chocolate to creating personalized bars and pralines. What makes this experience stand out is the opportunity to bring home your own chocolates, plus the educational component—discovering different types of chocolate and how to improve your creations. Reviewers love the friendly staff and the engaging, relaxed atmosphere—one called it “an amazing experience” suitable for all ages.
Bottom Line: This workshop combines education, creativity, and a tasty reward, making it ideal for chocolate lovers eager to learn and create. It’s great value and perfect for a memorable family activity.
2. Safari-Tour: the emblematic and Perfume Workshop of Alsace, for the day
For those interested in the sensory world, the Perfume Workshop of Alsace offers a full-day adventure that combines wine tasting, village visits, and fragrance creation. Priced around $1,161.45, this tour is suited to travelers who want a comprehensive day out, exploring Alsace’s vineyards, picturesque villages, and finally, crafting their own scent.
The itinerary includes stops in stunning villages like Riquewihr and Eguisheim, with visits to wineries where you learn about the winemaking process and sample local wines. The highlight is the perfume workshop, where you’ll scent your own personal perfume based on over 80 natural scents. The experience is highly personalized and appeals especially to travelers who enjoy multi-sensory experiences and want a deep dive into Alsace’s culture.
Bottom Line: This is a full-day, immersive experience perfect for wine and fragrance enthusiasts willing to invest time—and money—in a curated, luxurious exploration of Alsace’s flavors and scents.
$1,161.45 per person
3. Cooking Class: Bredele Making, Alsatian Cookies
At number three, the Bredele Making Cooking Class offers a tasty 2-hour session. For about $63.62 per person, you’ll learn how to craft traditional Alsatian Christmas cookies—bredele—using recipes like pistachio, spice, vanilla, and more. This class is ideal for visitors who want to take home a delicious souvenir and learn secrets from an experienced chef.
The class has received glowing reviews, with one describing it as “extremely professional and patient,” and noting that the cookies turned out better than store-bought. The instructor shares tips for perfecting your cookies, making it accessible even for beginners. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit and pick up a beloved local tradition.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy baking and want a hands-on, festive experience, this class delivers authentic Alsace cookie recipes with a friendly instructor. It’s a fun, tasty activity suitable for all ages.
4. Alsatian cooking class in Colmar – Traditional
For those wanting to learn how to cook regional dishes, the Alsatian traditional cooking class is a three-hour session priced at around $94. You’ll visit a chef’s apartment in the city center and learn to cook classic Alsace dishes using local ingredients.
This class offers a warm, informal atmosphere, making it easy to pick up tips and culinary secrets. Participants enjoy the chance to cook in a real home kitchen, gaining confidence that they can recreate these dishes at home. The class emphasizes local products and festive flavors, perfect for holiday season cooking or anyone interested in authentic Alsace cuisine. Reviewers mention that it’s a fun and educational experience, ideal for foodies who want to go beyond the surface and understand the region’s culinary roots.
Bottom Line: This hands-on class is best suited for those who want a relaxed environment and authentic recipes, especially if you enjoy cooking in a home kitchen setting.
5. Cooking class: Baking “Bredele” Alsatian Biscuits, Colmar
Closing our list is the Bredele Biscuits Baking Class, a 2-hour session for about $59. It’s similar in theme to the previous cookie class but focuses specifically on baking. Entering a chef’s apartment in the city center, you’ll learn how to make traditional bredele cookies and leave with your own batch.
This class is ideal for those short on time but eager to learn a specific skill. Reviewers appreciate the fun atmosphere and the chance to take home a tangible, tasty souvenir. It’s a charming way to get into the holiday spirit or simply learn a new baking skill with local flair.
Bottom Line: Perfect for cookie lovers on a quick visit, this hands-on class is a straightforward, enjoyable way to master Alsace’s signature Christmas treats.
How to Choose the Best Workshop or Class for You
When deciding between these options, consider your interests and schedule. Want something sweet and educational? The Chocolate workshop is a top choice. For an immersive multi-sensory day, the Perfume workshop offers a deeper cultural experience. If baking holiday cookies sounds like fun, both the Bredele baking class and cookie-making classes are excellent options.
For those who want a relaxed, authentic cooking experience, the Alsatian traditional class provides a homey atmosphere and regional recipes. Consider your budget—while the perfume tour is expensive, it offers a full day of diverse experiences, while the cooking and baking classes are more budget-friendly and shorter.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular sessions during holiday seasons or weekends, and always check availability, particularly for specialty tours like the perfume workshop.
Final Thoughts
Colmar’s workshops and classes offer a range of engaging ways to connect with local culture—whether through tasting, smelling, or cooking. For a sweet fix, the Chocolate creation workshop makes for a memorable visit. If you’re after an all-encompassing day, the Perfume workshop provides a luxurious sensory experience. For culinary enthusiasts, the Alsatian cookie and cooking classes are delightful, hands-on ways to learn regional recipes.
No matter which you choose, booking in advance will ensure you don’t miss out on these authentic, fun, and flavorful experiences. Embrace the opportunity to bring home a new skill or souvenir from your time in Colmar—these workshops promise a memorable, tasty, and personal touch to your trip.