🇫🇷 Colmar, France: Stepping into the Real-World Howl’s Moving Castle

📖 Quick Facts: Colmar, located in the Alsace region of northeastern France, is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming half-timbered houses 🏡. Like a scene from a fairy tale, it’s often ranked among the "World’s Top 10 Most Beautiful Towns"! It was also a filming location for Chinese Restaurant 2 🎬. 🌈 Connection to Howl’s Moving Castle: Colmar inspired the town where Sophie lives in Hayao Miyazaki’s beloved film! Its picturesque streets, historic buildings, and romantic canals are beautifully reflected in the animation, making it a pilgrimage site for fans. 🚄 Transportation: From Paris Est station, take the TGV high-speed train to Colmar (approx. 2.5 hours). 🚶 Getting Around: Colmar is small and best explored on foot 🚶. Stroll slowly to soak in its beauty! ⛲️ Must-Visit Spots: 1️⃣ Petite Venise: Winding canals, colorful half-timbered houses, and flower-filled balconies 💐. Take a boat ride to enjoy the views! 2️⃣ Saint-Martin Church: A 13th-century Gothic church ⛪️ known for its stunning stained glass and grand architecture. 3️⃣ Unterlinden Museum: Housed in a former convent, it features the famous 16th-century Isenheim Altarpiece. 4️⃣ Colmar Town Hall: An 18th-century building with exquisite façades and majestic halls — a key historic landmark! 5️⃣ Maison Pfister: This two-story wooden house with an octagonal tower inspired the spot where Howl and Sophie first met in the film. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendation: Stay overnight to fully experience this magical town! Here’s a beloved ❤️ Airbnb we stayed at: 🏠 Listing: L'Atelier des Tanneurs - Charming Cottage in Colmar’s Historic Center 📍 Location: Heart of Colmar 💐 Highlights: Walking distance to all attractions, with great restaurants/cafés nearby. Housed in a historic building, lovingly renovated and fully equipped. Great value (~€30/person). 1 bedroom, 2 beds, private bathroom, sleeps 3. 📷 Images sourced from the internet/Airbnb. Credit to owners. #France #TravelFrance #Colmar #FrenchVillage #Europe #EuropeanTravel #SchengenVisa