Kolmar

Kolmar, known in French as Colmar, is a commune in the Grand Est region of northeastern France. It lies on the Ill river in the Haut-Rhin department, at the foot of the Vosges mountains and along the Alsace wine route. The town is part of the Colmar-Ribeauvillé arrondissement and serves as a major historic and cultural hub in the region.

Historically part of the Holy Roman Empire, Colmar came under French control in the 17th century and experienced periods of German rule during the late 19th and mid-20th centuries. The German exonym Kolmar reflects these periods. In the modern era it is integrated into France and remains an important center for tourism, viticulture, and regional commerce.

The old town is renowned for its well-preserved half-timbered houses and canals, especially in the Petite Venise (Little Venice) district along the Ill. Notable sites include the Unterlinden Museum, which houses the Isenheim Altarpiece, Saint-Martin Church, and the Bartholdi Museum, dedicated to Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who was born in Colmar. The city is also famed for its Christmas markets and as a gateway to the Alsace wine route.

Economically, Colmar relies on tourism, wine production, and light industry. It is connected by road and rail to Strasbourg, Basel, and Mulhouse, and hosts Colmar-Houssen Airport for general aviation. Kolmar remains a key cultural and historic center in the Alsace region.