Colmar, a capital of Culture and CuisineBy Madelyn Miller, the TravelladyI am not the only one who finds everything they enjoy in Colmar. The capital of Alsace Centre, near Germany and Switzerland, Colmar is situated between Strasbourg and Basel and the Vosges and the Rhine. A picture perfect location. HERITAGE AND HISTORY
You can stroll down the streets, admiring the numerous ensigns and brightly colored roofs. Or saunter along the Quai de la Poissonnerie (Fisherman’s wharf) RELIGIOUS HERITAGEColmar possesses a very rich religious art heritage. The Dominican Church and the Saint-Martin’s Church are examples of pure, sober Gothic art, stripped of all ornamentation. The Dominican Church is famous for its “Vierge au buisson de rose.” If you only have time to focus on one piece of art, this is the one not to miss. PRESTIGIOUS MUSEUMSTHE UNTERLINDEN MUSEUM is one of the most prestigious in France. Installed in a former convent dating from the 13th century, this museum opened in 1852. Today it is internationally renown. Each year 350,000 visitors come to admire the major collection of Rhineland sculptures dating from the latter Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The famous Retable d”Issenheim by Matthias Gruenwald is considered a major piece in world art history. THE BARTHOLDI MUSEUM is in the house where the sculptor of the same name was born. The Statue of Liberty in New York is probably his most famous piece. Many of his other pieces are found throughout Colmar, where numerous fountains and sculptures are scattered. THE NATURAL HISTORY AND ETHNOGRAPHICAL MUSEUM is situated in the heart of Little Venice. Its ten rooms hold various collections of mineralogy, ethnology, Egyptology and regional patrimony (fauna and geology) GASTRONOMY
Colmar, the capital of the Alsace wine area, fills visitors with wonder as much for its architectural treasures as for its age-old tradition of hospitality and gourmet dishes. LOCAL SPECIALTIES
Foie Gras (invented in Strasbourg in 1780) WHERE TO STAY
Constructed in 1565 on the fortified walls from the 11th century which encircle the old town, the Hostellerie Le Marchal Restaurant A L’Echevin is in an enchanting historic spot. It is place where you will find charm, tranquility and elegance. The rooms combine the best of the past with the 21st century conveniences such as wireless internet.
The hosts are extremely helpful. Especially Alexandre Bomo who speaks excellent English and is a wiz at technology like internet connections. The renowned restaurant is in a marvelous dining room on the water’s edge. You can enjoy your gourmet meal to the sound of classical music. At lunch there is a fabulous 25 Euro Menu that includes four courses, coffee and service. Romantik Hotel Le Marechal www.hotel-lemarechal.com HOW TO GET TO COLMARBy car: Colmar is linked to the European motorways network. Air: Colmar is equal distance from two International airports Rail: Direct link with Paris-Gare de l’Est once a day at 5:16 pm. FOR MORE INFORMATION GREAT GUIDEBOOKSSIXTY MILLION FRENCHMEN CAN”T BE WRONG EYEWITNESS GUIDE TO FRANCE FROMMERS FRANCE Romantik 2006 How to Pronounce French, German and Italian Wine Names Hello France AA FRANCE TRAVELBOOK HIDE THIS FRENCH BOOK COOKBOOK THAT CAPTURES THE FLAVOR OF FRANCECARLOS Cooking at Home on Rue Tatin MUSIC TO MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE IN FRANCEFrench Café Rumba Flamenco French Playground BACKGROUND READING TO GET YOU IN THE MOODWeekend in Paris HOW TO SPEAK LIKE A FRENCH PERSON LOOK LIKE A FRENCH PERSON Helpful Websites The French Tourist Office in the USA http://www.francetourism.com/ BACKGROUND READINGA GOOD YEAR Madelyn Miller is a food and travel writer who contributes to www.travellady.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.carladynews.com, and www.todaysgooddeeds.com. |
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Despite the ups and downs of its turbulent history the town has managed to preserve its historical center. It has been listed as a protected area and undergoes constant restoration and enhancement. Each of its monuments is unique in its kind
The pedestrian area, one of the largest in Europe, enables visitors to appreciate and admire the town’s treasures The buildings’ heritage ranges from the period between the Middle Ages and the 20th century. From the Maison des Tetes (House of heads—early 17th century) which owes its name to the 111 heads decorating its façade to Maison Pfister, a fine bourgeois residence of medieval design dating from the Renaissance.
Some rooms and apartments have a whirlpool bath, canopy or four poster bed. Several rooms have massage showers. But each room is filled with charm and thoughtfulness.
Unfortunately, at the time I visited he had a girlfriend. But a girl can always hope.