30 May, 2017
Colmar, France.
Prepare to be charmed. This fairytale village, tucked between the lush Vosges mountains and the Rhine canal makes the perfect floral escape for whimsical adventurers and hopeless romantics alike. The heart of Alsatian wine culture, Colmar is home to a rainbow of pastel timber-framed cottages, their window boxes overflowing with kaleidoscopic sunflowers, roses, lilies, daffodils and lavender.
Spend days getting lost down sweeping flagstone streets and you're likely to stumble upon a "winstub" (wine lounge), perfect for sipping a pinot noir in the shade of a nearby linden tree.
Tourist season is at its peak during the summertime, but March to April provides a more refreshing climate and the greenery is in full-bloom. Beat the crowds (and escalating prices) during these late-spring months.
The combination of a utopian floral landscape and excellent wineries makes Colmar picture-perfect for a spring romance, so bring along your significant other or a few close friends and prepare for a week of sipping wine and shopping time.
Locals tending to their cottage florals or taking a stroll along the Lauch river.
Get a glimpse of Colmar's true colours and a little touch of Venice along La Petite Venise. Between popping into quaint shops and cafés, tuck into in local puff pastries and Alsatian tarts. Step onto one of the many bridges along the canal for the best photo-ops of historic timbered homes and landmarks constructed between the 14th and 18th centuries. A glass of wine from a winstub goes without saying.
Colmar is almost entirely cobbled, so leave behind the heels and opt for a more comfortable pair of flats.
Hop on a train in Zurich and enjoy a short ride to Colmar - keep your camera at hand for gorgeous shots of the Swiss countryside.
