Little Venice

Little Venice is a quarter of Colmar, in the Alsace region of eastern France, where colourful half-timbered houses line a series of small canals. It is one of the best-known parts of the town, and it is easy to see why: the buildings lean over the water, their painted façades and wooden frames reflected in the still channels, and the whole scene has a distinctly medieval character.

What to expect

The appeal here is largely visual and unhurried. Most visitors come to walk the banks, look at the houses and take photographs. The quarter is best approached on foot, since the streets and waterways are compact and the views change with every bend of the canal.

• Strolling along the flower-lined banks of the canals
• Seeing the half-timbered houses from different angles and crossings
• Taking a boat trip along the waterways for a view from the water

Around Little Venice

Little Venice sits within Colmar's old town, so it fits naturally into a wider visit. The surrounding streets offer more of the town's medieval and timber-framed architecture, and the central district is close enough to combine with other stops. Because the quarter is a popular subject for photographs, it can be busy at the most scenic times of day, so an early or late walk may suit those who prefer quieter streets.

Is it worth the visit?

If you enjoy old towns, water and well-kept architecture, Little Venice is a pleasant place to spend an hour or more. It works as a short detour within a day in Colmar, or as a leisurely stop on a longer journey through Alsace.