From Paris: Colmar Christmas Market & City Tour in 2 days

From Paris: Colmar Christmas Market & City Tour in 2 days

Imagine stepping into a fairy-tale setting with snow-dusted rooftops, twinkling lights, and the scent of mulled wine in the air. This two-day tour from Paris to Colmar offers a charming escape into the heart of Alsace’s holiday season. Priced at $644 per person, this small-group journey is designed for travelers who want both comfort and intimacy. You’ll comfortably travel in a luxury minivan with up to seven guests, making the experience both personal and relaxed.

What we particularly love about this experience are two key aspects. First, the scenic drive through the French countryside is truly delightful — you’ll get glimpses of rolling vineyards and picturesque villages that set a festive tone even before you arrive. Second, the self-paced exploration in Colmar’s old town allows you to enjoy the market’s artisan stalls and historic streets without feeling hurried.

A potential consideration is that the tour is quite packed — with over 12 hours of activity in the schedule, so it’s best suited for energetic travelers who love walking and sightseeing. Also, the price point reflects added value through personalized service, exclusive visits, and optional tastings.

This tour is ideal for those who want a combination of festive cheer, historical charm, and regional cuisine. If you’re eager to see one of France’s most enchanting Christmas markets with a small group and a knowledgeable guide, this trip offers a well-rounded taste of Alsace’s holiday magic.

Key Points

• Intimate Experience: Small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Scenic Drive: The journey through the French countryside offers stunning views and a taste of rural France.
• Historic Old Town: Colmar’s well-preserved medieval architecture and picturesque canals create a storybook setting.
• Festive Markets: The Christmas markets feature handcrafted goods, regional foods, and mulled wine.
• Flexible Itinerary: Options for customizable visits, including wine and champagne tastings.
• Comfort & Convenience: Luxury transportation paired with the flexibility of choosing your accommodation.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

The tour kicks off from Boulevard de Bercy in Paris, where you hop into a luxury minivan designed for comfort and small-group intimacy. The approximately six-hour drive to Colmar is a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery. Depending on the day, your guides might share insights into Alsace’s cultural mix or offer tips for your free time in Colmar.

Once in Colmar, the focus shifts to the heart of the Christmas season. The Old Town is your first stop, where you’ll wander cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses, many dating back to the medieval and early Renaissance periods. The town’s famous canals and illuminated squares create a romantic and nostalgic backdrop. Expect to spend about four hours exploring, shopping, and sampling local treats.

The Christmas Market itself is a highlight. Stalls bursting with artisanal crafts, regional foods, and festive drinks like mulled wine attract visitors from around the world. You might find yourself captivated by the enchanting ambiance, with wooden chalets decorated with garlands and twinkling lights. As one reviewer noted, the market’s atmosphere is truly magical — “beautifully decorated stalls offering artisanal crafts, festive treats, and mulled wine.”

During your time here, optional visits to prestigious champagne houses are available, where you can indulge in world-class champagne tastings. This is a real treat for lovers of bubbly, especially since the experience is tailored for small groups, allowing for more personal interaction.

In the evening, you’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Colmar, giving you time to soak in the holiday atmosphere. The next morning, a guided walk of Vieux Colmar explores further treasures like quaint shops, hidden courtyards, and picturesque squares. The guided tour makes sure you don’t miss out on the historical bits and favorite photo spots.

The return trip is another approximately six hours, with scenic stops or leisurely breaks along the way, back to Boulevard de Bercy.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Special?

The Christmas Markets in Colmar are among the most celebrated in France, renowned for their charming wooden stalls and festive atmosphere. The setting in Colmar’s old town, with its medieval architecture and canals, makes it feel like walking through a holiday postcard. The illuminations and decorations during the season are thoughtfully arranged, creating a warm, inviting glow that you’ll remember long after the trip.

Another strength is the small-group format. With only up to seven participants, the experience feels more like a personalized day out with friends than a crowded tour. Our “guide Jean” reportedly was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, adding a layer of authenticity and local insight.

The flexibility of the itinerary is a plus, especially if you want to focus on certain activities such as wine tasting or shopping for regional specialties. The tour also includes visits to prestigious champagne houses, where you’ll taste some of the world’s finest champagnes — a real highlight for connoisseurs.

Practical Details and Considerations

The price of $644 covers transportation, guided market tour, and tastings. It does not include accommodation, but the tour provider can help arrange hotel stays tailored to your preferences. Optional pick-up or drop-off from outside Paris (like Versailles or CDG Airport) is available at extra cost, and the meeting point in Bercy is conveniently accessible via metro.

Given the long days of activity, comfortable walking shoes are a must, and packing some warm clothing — especially gloves and a hat — will ensure you enjoy the strolls even if it’s chilly. Since the markets operate from November 26 to December 29, timing is key to experiencing this enchanting holiday environment.

The tour is not suitable for very young children, those with mobility issues, or travelers with large luggage, but it’s perfect for anyone who wants to combine scenic driving, cultural exploration, and festive cheer.

Why We Think This Tour Works

This two-day outing from Paris offers a balanced mix of scenic travel, cultural exploration, and holiday festivities. The small-group setting fosters a relaxed atmosphere, making it easier to connect with guides and fellow travelers. The inclusion of wine and champagne tastings adds a layer of regional authenticity, while the picturesque streets and markets provide plenty of photo-worthy moments and cozy corners to enjoy.

The value comes from the combination of personalized service, high-quality transport, and authentic experiences, all wrapped in a festive holiday package. The flexibility and options for customizing some visits mean you can tailor the day to your interests, whether that’s shopping, tasting, or simply soaking in the scenery.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you love Christmas markets, historical towns, and regional wines, this is an ideal choice. It suits travelers who appreciate small-group outings with a personal touch, and those eager to see a quintessential Alsace Christmas in comfort. It’s also perfect for visitors wanting a convenient, guided experience that takes care of transportation and logistics, freeing you to focus on enjoying the scenery and festivities.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are traveling with very young children or mobility concerns, you might want to look for options that offer more downtime or easier mobility.

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FAQ

What is included in the price?
The $644 fee covers transportation in a luxury minivan, a guided Christmas market tour, and tastings at prestigious champagne houses. Accommodation and meals are not included but can be arranged separately.

How long is the drive from Paris to Colmar?
The drive takes approximately six hours each way, providing plenty of time for sightseeing, breaks, and enjoying the scenery en route.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for older children, especially those who enjoy walking and sightseeing. It’s not recommended for children under 3 years or travelers with mobility issues.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the itinerary is described as customizable, with options for wine tastings, shopping, and additional visits.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a jacket, gloves, hat, camera, water, and personal medications are recommended.

Are there any restrictions on what I can bring?
Weapons, sharp objects, large luggage, smoking, vaping, and alcohol in the vehicle are not allowed for safety reasons. Baby strollers must be foldable.

What is the best time to go?
The Christmas market is open from November 26 to December 29, so plan your trip within those dates to enjoy the festive market atmosphere.

To sum it up, this two-day tour from Paris to Colmar offers a delightful blend of scenic drives, historic streets, and vibrant Christmas markets, all within a cozy, small-group setting. It’s a fantastic choice for those wanting to experience Alsace’s holiday charm without the hassle of planning logistics or navigating alone. Perfect for festive spirits, lovers of Provence-style towns, and anyone dreaming of a Christmas scene straight out of a storybook.