The Canal Town of Colmar

We thought Strasbourg was pretty special yesterday, but today’s trip to Colmar, about 40km south of where we are staying, was even better. We took the scenic route through more delightful villages before arriving in Colmar. The first thing we noticed was that it was much quieter than Strasbourg – no coach parties and crocodiles of schoolchildren, for a start. Once again, we ambled around following the self-guided walking tour provided by the Visitor Centre. The houses were of similar age and style, each beautifully painted in soft pastels à la South Beach, but that is where the similarity ends. These houses were over 400 years old, their aged timbers still looking well up to the job of supporting the tall houses that once accommodated the tanners and fishermen. Narrow streets wind around three churches, each with their tall tower and cobbled square. Small shops displayed chic but affordable French fashions, shoes and gifts, but nothing as tacky as you might see elsewhere. The charcuteries (butchers) and boulangeries make the heart sing! First stop of any note was in the cathedral, which had some splendid antiquities and beautiful artwork. The only fly in the ointment was that the camera battery faded barely part way into the tour. Never mind, a good excuse to return another day. So we ambled arm-in-arm and just enjoyed the whole place. We ambled down to the canal in the area known as Little Venice where small wooden punts with a guide offered 30-minute tours (just €6 per person) along the canal. They went past some of the houses that can only be accessed from the water. With terrace gardens and window boxes of geraniums, petunias, begonias, alyssum and red mandevillas hanging over the water, it makes an irresistible sight for those lucky enough to have a working camera! Hunger struck around noon so we headed back to Le Stam, a charming half-timbered bierstub/winstub at the back of the Church of the Dominicains. We took a table beside the cobbled square and watched people passing by as we waited for the Menu du Jour – Magret du canard avec legumes forestière. This was a tasty slices of duck breast covered in a rich brown forestière sauce of assorted fungi (mushrooms to you and I) and a heap of fresh vegetables to warm the heart of any Brit abroad! It was delicious, and it was then the turn of passers-by to watch us with envy. We sipped a glass of local brew – Paulane beer – and awaited the set dessert. It was a delicious pistachio mousse beneath a rich chocolate mousse topped with a strawberry – quite heavenly. All for €9 a head. Eat your heart out folks! We then headed off into the mountains for a scenic tour along the valley of the River Fecht to Munster (France) then up the zigzagging forested mountainside to the Col de la Schlucht at 1139m. The views were quite something – until the sprinkles and drizzle started, so then we headed for home after another thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable day.