If you like having a pleasant tour of the Regional Capital beautiful town of Basel, Switzerland, then it’s advisable to travel to Colmar in France. Just an hour's drive from Basel, Colmar is a town that has influences of both French and Germans, history and Gothic structures. Contemplating art lovers, historical site enthusiasts, or lovers of picturesque cobblestone alleyways, the town of Colmar does not disappoint.
In this blog, we will help you plan your ideal Basel to Colmar day trip by telling you where you want to go and what you would like to see, what food to eat and useful tips.
Undoubtedly, one of the benefits of making a trip from Basel to Colmar is that the trip is very smooth. One can get to Colmar by car, by train or also by joining a bus tour.
By Car: It takes 1 hour to drive from Basel to Colmar a distance of approximately 70 kilometres (43 miles). Picking this route because it is more attractive that it traverses through vineyards, rolling hills and some small villages. If you want to travel between these places then you may hire a Basel Chauffeur Service or a Limousine Service Basel for a comfortable and safe travel experience.
By Train: Colmar is accessible by train too. There are services from Basel SBB station, the journey takes from 40 minutes to 1 hour depending on the tool used. Cards can be purchased online or at the station itself, and the view of the surrounding nature will impress anyone who gets on the train before reaching the Station.
When you get there, getting to Colmar Old Town is within reach on a walking tour because this place is perfect for a leisurely walk.
If you are planning a one-day tour of Colmar, then enjoy the storybook-like old town of Colmar. Its buildings are painted in a variety of colours with traditional half-timber framing that gives the city its nickname ‘La Petite Venise,’ or Little Venice. While it might be the smallest town in the Valais Canton, it has a rich history and pretty architecture that can be described as medieval with some Renaissance overtones.
Place de la Cathédrale: The first place that can be recommended is Place de la Cathédrale – the town square in Colmar. Here, you have one of the cathedrals but St. Martin’s Church touches gothic arches built in the 13th century. Look at the carved fascinations of the church and then go inside to see the lavish inside of it.
Little Venice: Once you are done having a look at the city centre, you should head to the area known as Little Venice. It is a truly picturesque region of the town, famous for the canals joined by the colourful arched flower-decked bridges, and houses painted in pastel shades. This makes a wonderful walk because tourist attractions, hotels and restaurants are interconnected by these canals.
Maison Pfister: When walking through the town, you should also go to house number 7, which is probably one of the most recognisable buildings in the city of Colmar. This building from the 16th century logs and frameworks, Renaissance ornaments, carved wooden sculptures and stucco work are appealing in this house. If you’re travelling from Zurich to this place then you may hire a Zurich Transfers for convenient travelling.
Well after a morning of that, most probably the hunger pangs should have set in. Colmar is situated in the centre of Alsace and Colmar is fond of a kind of dish which is a mix of French and German originated. First, one may be invited to eat lunch in one of the regular Alsatian restaurants where one can try some of the regional crawls.
Tarte Flambée: Another speciality from the region, this flat base is a crispy ‘pizza’ dish, with toppings of crème fraîche, onions and lardons, also locally known as ‘Flammekueche.’ This is one dish the regions just love and is one light meal all would prefer anytime.
Choucroute Garnie: For something a little more filling, there’s Choucroute Garnie a sausage and pork that is cooked with sauerkraut. It’s traditional and preferable in several ways, particularly if consumed during the cold part of the year.
Alsace Wine: End of any meal in Colmar, the guests would not be served any drinks without some of the best white wine in the region. Alsace is famous for Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer; therefore do not shy away from a bottle (or two) of wine with your al dente pasta.
After lunch, it's time to face the sophisticated cultural activities of Colmar. Friendly-hearted art affectionadoes will like to spend a considerable time in the Unterlinden Museum, one of the most popular tourist attractions in town.
Unterlinden Museum: The Unterlinden Museum is located in the former Dominican convent, built in the XIII century and occupied the cloisters of the monastery. Here, there are impressive medieval and Renaissance collections featuring notable content from the famous Isenheim Altarpiece. Historical artefacts aside, the museum also boasts modern art, making it a good visit for those with a penchant for culture.
Bartholdi Museum: You might visit the Bartholdi Museum if you find yourself with some free time in the day. The artwork is dedicated to Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor, and the writer of the Statute of Liberty. Interesting excursions about his creative path and the town's relations with one of the most known monuments in the world are available at the museum.
End your day trip to Colmar with a laid-back walk in the old town and some shopping. This is the ideal time of day to fully absorb into famous boutiques in Colmar, offering anything from local wines to gourmet specialities, and any type of unique handicrafts.
Local Treats: Be sure to visit a local bakery to pick some Alsatian specialties like Kouglof: the region's traditional sweet bread, and especially Bredele, the scrumptious Christmas cookies popular throughout the year.
Wine Shops: If you enjoyed the wines served at lunchtime, then you can just stroll into one of many wine shops across town and buy a bottle of Alsace wine as a souvenir for yourselves or a lovely gift for your friends and family. Wines from that region are an excellent souvenir or a beautiful gift for friends and family.
If you enjoyed the wines served at lunchtime, then you can just stroll into one of many wine shops across town and buy a bottle of Alsace wine as a souvenir for yourselves or a lovely gift for your friends and family. Wines from that region are an excellent souvenir or a beautiful gift for friends and family.
In this case, Grandlane Transfer is designed to take you through a comfortable journey between Basel and Colmar. Whereas our services extend to any kind of travel including a day trip, business or leisure trips, we offer comfortable, well-equipped vehicles driven by experienced drivers. Relax and let the beautiful scenery unfold while you let us organize your transport with schedule and safety in mind. Hire your Basel to Colmar transfer today and set foot in Colmar looking every bit as chic as the city itself!
1. How far is Colmar from Basel, and how long does the trip take?
The distance from Colmar to Basel is approximately 70 km (43 miles). It takes around 40 to 50 minutes to complete the journey from Basel to Colmar and Colmar to Basel. If you are visiting Colmar by a Basel to Colmar Transfer, then the journey will typically take around 50-70 minutes 50-70 minutes.
2. What is the best way to get from Basel to Colmar for a day trip?
The best, fastest, and most scenic way to reach Colmar from Basel is via a Basel to Colmar transfer. It takes around 40 to 50 minutes to reach Colmar from Basel, and a private Basel Colmar transfer may cost around 530 - 1500 CHF.
3. Do I need a passport or visa to cross from Switzerland to France?
No, you do not need a passport or visa to cross from Switzerland to France. Switzerland and France are both in the Schengen Area. There are no daily border checks. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens only need an ID card. Non-EU visitors (e.g., US, UK, Canada, Australia) should have a passport. There is no visa required for up to 90 days.
4. Is one day enough to visit Colmar from Basel?
Yes, totally. One day is enough to visit Colmar from Basel. You need a minimum of 6 to 8 hours in Colmar to explore. You can spend the morning in the Old Town and Little Venice, have lunch with Alsatian specialties, and in the evening you can spend your time shopping.
5. What are the must-see attractions in Colmar on a day trip?
If you are visiting Colmar, there are some must-see attractions that you should not miss. Start with Little Venice (Petite Venise), then move towards Place de la Cathédrale, then head to Maison Pfister (1537), you may spend your time in Unterlinden Museum, and at last visit Bartholdi Museum. Make your Colmar itinerary accordingly so that you can cover all these areas.
6. Is a boat ride in Little Venice worth it?
Yes, if you dream of going to Venice, but are unable to make a trip, Colmar will be the best place for you, as a boat tour in Colmar feels the same as having one in Venice. People in Colmar speak in French, English, or German. The cost of the boat ride starts from $5 to 10 $.
7. What traditional Alsatian food should I try for lunch?
If you are looking for good Alsatian food to try for lunch, then you may have a Flammekueche, Choucroute Garnie, and if you are a wine lover, then a dry Riesling or floral Gewürztraminer will be the best drink to have with your lunch.
8. What souvenirs should I buy in Colmar?
You may take Alsace wines, bredele, kouglof, artisanal chocolates, or Christmas decorations as souvenirs from Colmar.
9. When is the best time for a Basel to Colmar day trip?
The best time for a Basel to Colmar day trip is Spring (April-June) or autumn (September-October). And if you want to visit during Christmas, your journey will become more magical as you will get to see many Christmas markets.
10. Can I combine Colmar with nearby villages or other stops?
Yes, you can also visit Eguisheim, Riquewihr, or Kaysersberg if you are coming to Colmar for a Day trip from Basel.
11. Do I need to book my Basel to Colmar transfer in advance?
Yes, during the peak season, it is suggested to book your Basel to Colmar transfer in advance. It takes around 40 to 50 minutes to go to Colmar from Basel, and it will cost you around 530 - 1500 CHF.
12. Why choose a private transfer or chauffeur service from Basel?
If you are wondering whether hiring a private Basel to Colmar transfer or a chauffeur service from Basel is worth it or not, don't worry, we are here to solve your query. A private Basel to Colmar transfer take surround 40 to 50 minutes to take you from Basel to Colmar. It is so much better than self-driving, trains and buses. We know that are train is cost-effective but with a private transfer you get a chauffeur who will take care of all the inconveniences you face, like you dont have to drive and find your way in the new city, you dont have think about parking space, the chauffeur will handle all of your luggage and will offer a meet and greet service at your pickup location. You will be picked up from the terminal or any other place in Basel and will be dropped off directly at your destination. Comfort and relaxation are two of the greatest benefits of hiring a Basel Colmar transfer. You get premium cars like the Mercedes E-Class, S-Class, vans, etc., all fitted with leather, climate control, Wi-Fi, bottled water and a lot of room to carry luggage. Your Basel chauffeur knows English, and he will also give you local tips if you want. If these reasons are not enough for you, then there are some more. You get the flexibility to create your own itinerary. Families that have kids, older adults, and anybody with a mobility issue can rely on a private transfer. If you want kid seats, booster seats, bag assistants, and wheelchairs, it is available for you during your ride. If you wish to use this type of established Basel to Colmar transfer service, then Grandlane Transfer will be the best for you.
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