La Petite Venise is the canal quarter of Colmar, in the southeast of the old town along the Lauch River. Half-timbered houses painted yellow, pink and other soft colors stand at the water's edge, with willows over the banks and flower boxes on the bridges. The district was once home to fishermen, winemakers, boatmen and market gardeners. Its center is Quai de la Poissonnerie. Walk the quays and cross the bridges, then see the houses from a flat-bottomed boat, or sit at a riverside restaurant for Alsatian dishes such as flammekueche.
Where La Petite Venise lies and how far it reaches
La Petite Venise occupies the southeast part of Colmar's old town, on the Lauch River. The name first referred to the course of the river itself. Later it came to cover the whole Krutenau quarter, which now runs from the Koïfhus to the bridges of Turenne and Saint-Pierre.
Quai de la Poissonnerie, the old fishmongers' quay, is the center of the district. The houses along it are half-timbered, with plaster in yellow, brown and pink and the occasional blue-green. Swans float on the water and weeping willows lean over the banks.
The quarter was once home to fishermen, winemakers, boatmen, market gardeners and tanners. The streets still carry those trades in their names. From the center you can reach the river along Rue de l'Église, Grand Rue and Rue des Tanneurs. Rue des Tanneurs is known for its artisan workshops.
Bridges and streets to walk
The Lauch narrows in places until it looks more like a canal than a river, and a series of bridges crosses it. The bridge at the top of Rue de Turenne gives one of the best views over the canals and rooftops. Other bridges, hung with flower boxes, frame the houses along the water.
Quai de la Poissonnerie winds behind the Koïfhus toward Saint-Pierre, with painted timbered homes right against the water. Beyond the canal, Rue de Turenne and Place des Six Montagnes Noires lead to Alsatian façades and the Roesselmann Fountain by Bartholdi.
Look up as you walk. Balconies, small statues and painted panels decorate the upper floors. A good walk takes in the quays, a few bridges and the side streets, so allow time to go slowly. Taking a photo of the canal is not always easy when the bridges are busy, so a quieter hour helps.
On the water
Boat trips leave from a pier in Petite Venise and last about 25 minutes. The boats are small and flat-bottomed. They pass under old stone bridges and along Quai de la Poissonnerie, following the route market gardeners once used to bring produce to the covered market.
Guided tours give the history of the city and are offered in English, French and German. Boats run in the warmer months, and an evening trip adds the light on the water. Seen from the canal, the houses look different from the street, with their foundations at the waterline.
The covered market and eating by the river
Next to the district stands the covered market, a red and orange brick-and-stone building from the 19th century, built in 1865 on the bank of the Lauch. It was designed so merchants could bring their goods in by boat. About twenty local traders sell cheese, meat, fruit, pastries and Alsatian specialties. There is a small café inside, and you can also find flowers and gardening supplies.
Along the river and in the side streets, restaurants and wine bars serve regional food. Flammekueche, the thin Alsatian tarte, is a common order, and there are dishes such as pork knuckle and escargots. A glass of Riesling by the water is a usual way to pause.
Through the seasons
The district follows the seasons. In spring and summer, flowers cover the bridges and balconies. In the Christmas period the houses are decorated and lit, and the lights reflect off the canal. A children's market with rides and wooden chalets stands near Place des Six Montagnes Noires.
The district draws many visitors at any time of year, and it is busiest at midday and in the holiday season. Mornings are quieter, and in the evening the crowds thin as the lanterns come on.
Häufige Fragen
Where is La Petite Venise in Colmar?
It is in the southeast part of the old town, along the Lauch River, with Quai de la Poissonnerie at its center. From the center you can walk there along Rue de l'Église, Grand Rue and Rue des Tanneurs.
How long do you need in La Petite Venise?
A few hours is enough for the quays, the bridges and a meal. If you add a boat trip, the covered market and a slow walk through the side streets, it can fill half a day.
Can you take a boat trip, and how long does it last?
Yes. Boats leave from a pier in Petite Venise and the ride lasts about 25 minutes. Guided tours are offered in English, French and German.
When is the best time to visit?
Mornings are quieter, and evenings are calmer once the crowds thin and the lanterns light the water. The district is also decorated for Christmas, and flowers cover the bridges in spring and summer.
Where can you park near La Petite Venise?
Parking Rapp is a convenient option, within an easy walk of the district.
