Hello! I'm heading to Paris next week and discovered that the Christmas Markets in Colmar and Strasbourg will open during the last weekend of my visit. I was thinking of taking the train down for two nights and was wondering if I should stay in Colmar or Strasbourg. I understand that they are relatively close, approximately an hour apart by train, and I could possibly do both but, as this is the last phase of my trip, I may be inclined to stay and explore a single town/experience. Does anyone have an preference for one over the other? I will admit, I'm leaning towards Colmar for the "quaintness" and walkability but am definitely open suggestions. I've heard both have excellent Christmas Markets. Thank you!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
784 posts
I would choose Colmar and can recommend Hotel St. Martin, which is central and in a walkable area.
Posted by
Washington DC
28084 posts
I haven't been to Strasbourg recently but loved my multi-day stay in Colmar this summer. The Underlinden Museum is a bonus.
Do take a look at hotel rates before making a final decision.
Posted by
NorthCarolina
1064 posts
We did a "Christmas Markets along the Rhine River Cruise" last year and LOVED both of those towns. The Cathedral in Strasbourg is one of the best we've seen in Europe. The Markets in both are amazing. You can't go wrong with either place. Colmar is definitely more quaint, but Strasbourg is gorgeous too. Have a wonderful time!!
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7161 posts
Here's a link to a thread from last year on this very subject.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area
5697 posts
But check prices/availability of lodging before making your final decision -- we're going to both in mid-December and booking.com shows both filling up.
Posted by
Finkle
195 posts
Another vote for hotel St Martin-great location and wonderful cozy hotel. I am sure it will be beautiful (but crowded) then.
Mike
DC
Posted by
Atlanta, Ga, USA
2023 posts
Another vote for Hotel St Martin--perfect location and they have a very nice buffet breakfast included in room rate. We loved Colmar and took the train to Strasbourg to see the fabulous cathedral. But we were happy that we chose Colmar.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15788 posts
According to the "Noel en Alsace" website, the Colmar and Kayserberg markets begin on the 24th, Strasbourg's on the 25th. Kayserberg is about 10 miles from Colmar and there is probably bus service.
Though the market stalls won't be open on the 23rd, the holiday decorations probably will be on full display already.
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7161 posts
If you're an ambitious traveler you could see quite a bit. In your place this is what I would do:
Nov 23 - train to Colmar for 2 nights.
Nov 23 & 24 - Colmar Christmas market and Unterlinden museum, possible side trip to Kaysersberg (by bus or taxi) to visit their Christmas market and check out the town.
Nov 25 - take an early train to Strasbourg, store my luggage at the train station, visit the cathedral and the Christmas market, take a late train back to Paris.
It would be 2 nights in the same hotel, travel times are not outrageous, and you'd get to see several markets and a couple of top tourist sights.
Just a suggestion based on personal preference.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you, all, for the suggestions. We decided on Colmar for 2 nights with the option of a day visit to Stasbourg if the mood strikes. Rooms were booking up FAST and, unfortunately, the Hotel St. Martin was booked solid. We were able to book a room close by though. Thanks, again, for the comments! I’m excited!