Place de l'Ancienne Douane
A picturesque public square in Colmar, famous for its charming half-timbered buildings and vibrant Christmas markets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Place de l'Ancienne Douane
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque public square in Colmar, famous for its charming half-timbered buildings and vibrant Christmas markets.
"Magnificent place for the end of year celebrations, a must-see to admire these beautiful decorations!"
🎯 Visit during Christmas Markets
The square is a hub for Colmar's famous Christmas markets, offering a magical experience.
📸 Capture the Charm
The half-timbered houses and festive decorations make for stunning photos.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Christmas Markets
Place de l'Ancienne Douane
Experience the enchanting holiday spirit with numerous themed stalls and festive decorations.
Half-Timbered Architecture
Surrounding the square
Marvel at the iconic, colorful Alsatian houses that frame this historic public space.
Bartholdi Monument Fountain
Center of the square
Admire the impressive fountain dedicated to Lazare de Schwendi, a historical figure.
Old Customs House (Koifhus)
Adjacent to the square
See the historic building that gives the square its name, a testament to Colmar's trading past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Festive Spirit
Beyond the Christmas Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Visit during Christmas Markets
The square is a hub for Colmar's famous Christmas markets, offering a magical experience. 
📸 Capture the Charm
The half-timbered houses and festive decorations make for stunning photos.
🚶♀️ Stroll and Explore
Take your time to wander around the square and admire the architecture.
☕ Enjoy Local Cafes
Several restaurants and cafes surround the square, perfect for a break.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Visit during Christmas Markets
The square is a hub for Colmar's famous Christmas markets, offering a magical experience.
📸 Capture the Charm
The half-timbered houses and festive decorations make for stunning photos.
🚶♀️ Stroll and Explore
Take your time to wander around the square and admire the architecture.
☕ Enjoy Local Cafes
Several restaurants and cafes surround the square, perfect for a break.
💡 Check Market Dates
If visiting for the markets, confirm their operating dates as they are seasonal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Place de l'Ancienne Douane for its picturesque beauty, especially during the Christmas season when it hosts a vibrant market. The charming half-timbered buildings and the historic Old Customs House are frequently highlighted as major attractions. While generally loved, some find it can get very crowded during peak times.
"This is the quaint public square just to the south and east of Koifhus that we enjoyed spending some time while in Colmar. The half-timbered buildings around the square are charming. As is the Old Customs House for which the square takes its name.
We also liked the Bartholdi monument fountain dedicated to Lazare de Schwendi (1522-83).
The Christmas market scenery and activity around Place de l'Ancienne Douane during our recent December visit added to the enjoyment of visiting during the cold month of December."
Brad
"A busiest square in Colmar located in Alsace region of France."
* Woo Bai
"Colmar is a beautiful old city worthwhile visiting."
Moti Lapid
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Place de l'Ancienne Douane is centrally located in Colmar, making it easily accessible on foot from most parts of the old town. If arriving by car, parking is available in nearby public garages. Public transport options are also available, with bus stops within walking distance.
Absolutely! It's a very walkable area. You can easily reach it from La Petite Venise, Rue des Marchands, and other key Colmar sights.
Colmar is well-connected by train. The Colmar train station is a short bus or taxi ride from the city center. If driving, major highways lead to the region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Place de l'Ancienne Douane is a public square and is free to enter and explore at any time.
As a public square, it's always open. However, individual shops and restaurants surrounding the square will have their own operating hours. The Christmas markets have specific seasonal hours.
Entry to the Christmas markets themselves is generally free. You only pay for any purchases you make from the stalls.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire square offers picturesque views. Focus on the charming half-timbered buildings, the Bartholdi fountain, and the reflections in the water if any are present. During Christmas, the lights and decorations are a major draw.
It can be crowded, especially during the Christmas markets, which might make it challenging to get unobstructed shots. Visiting early in the morning or on weekdays can help.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can offer beautiful light on the buildings. For Christmas markets, dusk and evening are magical with the lights.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the square and its immediate surroundings are lined with restaurants and cafes offering Alsatian specialties and other cuisines.
The Christmas market stalls typically offer festive treats like mulled wine (vin chaud), gingerbread, local pastries, and savory snacks.
While some restaurants can be pricey, you can find more affordable options by exploring side streets or opting for market food.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During non-festive times, it remains a pleasant place for a family stroll. The surrounding cafes offer opportunities for a break, and the general atmosphere of Colmar is very welcoming to families. Consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid larger crowds, ensuring a more relaxed experience for everyone.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The square's layout allows for various angles, from wide shots showcasing the entire scene to close-ups of architectural details.During the Christmas season, the square truly comes alive with lights and decorations, offering a completely different, yet equally captivating, photographic experience. Capturing the festive ambiance, the glowing stalls, and the happy faces of visitors can result in memorable images.
+1 Visiting during the 'golden hour' or early morning can help you avoid crowds and capture softer, more atmospheric light.🛍️ Shoppers & Market Lovers
You can find unique souvenirs, festive decorations, and delicious regional specialties. Even outside of the Christmas season, the square is surrounded by shops and boutiques housed in beautiful historic buildings. Exploring these can lead to discovering local crafts and products. The general ambiance of the area encourages leisurely browsing and shopping.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Colmar's Christmas Markets
+2Several TikTok and Instagram creators highlight the unique charm of this market, often showcasing specific stalls or the overall ambiance. It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of a traditional Alsatian Christmas. The proximity to other market locations within Colmar means you can easily hop between them to experience the full festive offering.
+1While the Christmas markets are a major draw, it's worth noting that the square itself is a beautiful spot year-round. The historic buildings and the presence of the Bartholdi fountain add to its appeal even outside the holiday season. However, for the quintessential experience that draws many visitors, the Christmas market period is unparalleled.
Architectural Gems of Place de l'Ancienne Douane
Adding to the square's charm is the Bartholdi Monument Fountain, dedicated to Lazare de Schwendi. This monument is a notable feature, providing a focal point and a touch of historical grandeur to the public space. The combination of the historic Koifhus, the charming residential buildings, and the artistic fountain makes Place de l'Ancienne Douane a photographer's delight and a key location for understanding Colmar's architectural heritage.
Many visitors are captivated by the sheer beauty and preservation of these buildings. The intricate details of the woodwork and the vibrant colors are often highlighted in social media posts, emphasizing the unique aesthetic of the Alsace region. It's this consistent architectural style that contributes significantly to Colmar's reputation as one of France's most beautiful towns.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit