Colmar
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Little Venice | Colourful houses on a quiet canal, with small boat rides between them. | South of the old town |
| The old town | Cobbled lanes and medieval half-timbered houses, and a covered market. | Central Colmar |
| The Unterlinden Museum | A museum in an old convent, best known for the Isenheim Altarpiece. | Central Colmar |
| Colmar's winter markets | Six markets of wooden stalls and lights in the squares of the old town, free to enter. | From 23 November to 29 December 2026 |
Strasbourg
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Strasbourg Cathedral | A Gothic masterpiece of pink sandstone with a façade carved like lace. | City centre |
| Petite France | Canals, half-timbered houses and bridges, Strasbourg's loveliest quarter to walk. | West of the Grande Île |
| A boat tour | A trip on the Ill around the Grande Île between the historic quarters. | Near the cathedral |
The villages
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Eguisheim | A village of circular lanes that seems built for strolling, with the ruins of the Three Castles above it and views over the plain. | Near Colmar |
| Riquewihr | A medieval village with walls, lanes and colourful houses. | North of Colmar |
| Kaysersberg | A fortified bridge and lanes climbing to an old castle. | West of Colmar |
Tips before you go
- Colmar is about half an hour by train from Strasbourg, and it makes the better base for the villages.
- Weekdays are calmer than weekends, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the winter-market season.
- You need a Schengen visa, and you usually arrive via Paris, then the high-speed train to Strasbourg.
Flights to Paris
More places nearby
Visa
- France visa for Saudis: Schengen step by step
- Schengen visa for Saudis 2026: documents, fees and how to apply
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Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Alsace?
Little Venice in Colmar, Strasbourg Cathedral and Petite France, and the villages of Eguisheim, Riquewihr and Kaysersberg.
When are Colmar's winter markets?
From 23 November to 29 December 2026, free to enter.
How far is Colmar from Strasbourg?
About half an hour by train.
Is Alsace good for families?
Yes: small towns that are safe to walk, boat tours, and colourful villages children love.
Planning your trip to France? Read Travel to France from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.