🇫🇷 Colmar Travel Guide: A Winter Fairy Tale 🎄✨

Winter in Colmar is a Christmas-lit dreamland — and the real-world inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki’s Howl’s Moving Castle! It’s also where Chinese Restaurant was filmed 📷. I personally think winter decorations make it even more magical than summer! The town is small and perfect for a day of walking. Here’s your DIY one-day guide: 📍 Transport Train: From Paris Est, take TGV to Strasbourg (~2h), then transfer to TER regional train to Colmar (30min). Driving: Park at Parking de la Montagne Verte 🅿️ — spacious and easy payment via machine. 🗺️ Walking Route: 1️⃣ Train Station → Champ de Mars Square Snap a photo with the red "Colmar" sign! 📸 2️⃣ La Petite Venise (Little Venice) The iconic colorful half-timbered houses along the canal. Note: Winter boat rides (usually €5) are unavailable. 3️⃣ Love Lock Bridge (Quai de la Poissonnerie) Less crowded, with stunning reflections of colorful houses on the water — perfect for photos! ❤️ 4️⃣ Local Market Fresh bread 🥖, fruits 🍎, cheese 🧀, and coffee — full of local charm! 5️⃣ Ferris Wheel (Grande Roue) €10 for 2 rotations with panoramic town views. Best on clear days! 🎡 6️⃣ Christmas Markets Six markets scattered around town (similar vibes). Many stalls are cash-only! 7️⃣ Maison Pfister The real-life inspiration for Sophie’s town in Howl’s Moving Castle! 🏰 8️⃣ Saint-Martin Church Gothic architecture with a stunning colored roof — mysterious and beautiful. 🍴 Food Recommendations: Bistrot des Lavandieres: Chinese Restaurant filming location — book ahead! 🍽️ L'entre-pot: Cozy café (indoor seating requires ordering). 💐 Pain d’épices: Local dessert shop open for 10+ years. Try free samples — coconut macarons make great gifts! 🎁 🌟 Tips: Dress warmly: Scarves, gloves, and hats are a must (and look cute in photos!) 🧤 Avoid crowds: Visit on weekdays (it gets packed with international tourists). #FranceTravel #ChristmasMarkets #HowlsMovingCastle #TravelGuide #NewYearTrip