From Paris: Colmar Christmas Market & City Tour in 2 days

If you’re dreaming of a cozy, festive escape to one of France’s most charming towns during Christmas, this two-day tour to Colmar might be just what you’re looking for. The idea of crossing from Paris into the heart of Alsace for a taste of its renowned holiday markets sounds magical, and it’s a popular choice for those wanting a short but immersive holiday experience. While the price at around $644 per person might seem steep at first, the thoughtful itinerary and small-group setting make it a solid option if you’re after a mix of scenic drives, cultural exploration, and festive cheer.

We particularly love the intimate group size — limited to just seven participants, which means more personalized attention and a relaxed vibe. The luxury minivan promises comfort, especially after a long day of exploring, and the chance to glide through the picturesque French countryside adds to the overall charm. On the flip side, keep in mind that you’ll spend quite a bit of time in transit, so if you’re not a fan of long drives, this might not be your ideal way to spend two days.

This tour generally suits travelers who enjoy small-group experiences with a bit of flexibility, are keen on Christmas markets and regional foods, and appreciate the option to customize their trip. If you’re looking for a structured, guided adventure that balances sightseeing with free time, then this could be a great fit.

Key Points

• Small-group experience ensures personalised attention and a relaxed atmosphere
• Scenic drives through the French countryside offer picturesque views
• Unlimited free time in Colmar for shopping, exploring, and tasting regional foods
• Visit to prestigious champagne houses with tastings included
• Flexible itinerary with optional hotel pickup and drop-off
• Perfect for lovers of Christmas markets and medieval charm

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This two-day journey from Paris to Colmar combines the thrill of exploring a fairy-tale town with the comfort of a small-group trip. It’s designed to balance sightseeing with leisure, so you can truly enjoy the festive atmosphere without feeling rushed. While the package doesn’t include accommodations, the tour’s flexibility means you can choose your own stay or rely on the tour provider’s suggestions for hotels in the region.

The trip begins at Boulevard de Bercy, with a roughly 6-hour drive in a plush minivan that seats up to seven. The scenery along the way is a highlight — rolling fields, quaint villages, and the occasional glimpse of snow-capped peaks if you’re visiting early in the season.

Once in Colmar, you’ll have about four hours to explore the Old Town, famous for its beautifully preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture. During this time, you can stroll cobbled streets, admire half-timbered houses, and visit the iconic canals that make the city look like a Christmas postcard. The Christmas market here is the star attraction — with stalls brimming with artisanal crafts, regional foods, mulled wine, and festive ornaments, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

The second day involves another six-hour drive back to Paris, giving you a chance to relax and reflect on the trip’s highlights. If you’re a history buff or a foodie, you’ll appreciate the visits to prestigious champagne houses, where tastings of world-class champagnes add a touch of luxury. The optional stops at regional food markets and champagne tastings make this trip feel like an indulgent holiday treat.

The Charm of Colmar’s Christmas Markets

The Christmas markets in Colmar are renowned for their enchanting atmosphere. Picture rows of stalls decorated with lights, offering handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and local specialties. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with the glow of holiday lights reflecting off the canals and half-timbered houses. Many reviews mention how magical the market feels — “like stepping into a fairy tale,” one traveler described.

You’ll want to take your time wandering the streets, sampling regional foods like gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, or Alsace’s famous tarte flambée. Plus, with the option to shop freely, you can pick up unique souvenirs and festive decorations you won’t find anywhere else.

The Experience of the Scenic Drive and Small Group

Traveling in a luxury minivan with a maximum of seven people creates a more relaxed experience with less crowding and more opportunity to ask questions. We loved the personalized touch this offers, especially when the guide shares insights about the scenery and local culture. The drive itself is part of the adventure, with plenty of scenic views along the way, making the long hours in transit more enjoyable.

Plus, the small group size fosters a convivial atmosphere, where conversations flow easily, and everyone can get tailored recommendations or tips from the guide. This is especially helpful if you want to explore the markets at your own pace or linger over a glass of wine without feeling rushed.

The Flexibility and Extras

While the core tour includes transportation, guided market visits, and champagne tastings, there are options to customize your experience. You can arrange for hotel pick-up and drop-off for an extra fee, making the day more seamless if you’re staying outside the city center. The tour provider also offers assistance with hotel booking, which can be helpful if you prefer a more organized trip.

Note that accommodation is not included, so you’ll need to book your own stay in Colmar or nearby. Given the popularity of the Christmas markets, booking early is advised, especially if you want to stay in a cozy guesthouse or boutique hotel.

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Is It Worth the Price?

At $644 per person, this tour leans toward the premium side, but it’s important to consider what’s included. The transportation in a luxury minivan, guided visits, and champagne tastings can add up if you try to organize this trip independently. The small-group format also means more comfort and personal attention, which is often lacking in larger coach tours.

Some travelers have mentioned that the trip offers good value if you’re after a hassle-free, personalized experience packed with festive sights and local treats. However, if you’re more budget-conscious, you might find similar experiences cheaper by piecing things together on your own, though it may not include such a seamless, guided approach.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Depart from Paris and Travel to Colmar

Starting at Boulevard de Bercy, you’ll hop into a plush minivan for the 6-hour drive. The journey is a big part of the experience — you’ll pass through rolling fields, charming towns, and possibly snow-dusted landscapes, depending on the time of year. The guide shares commentary along the way, making the drive educational as well as scenic.

Once in Colmar, your time is flexible. You might choose to start exploring the Old Town immediately, soaking in the architecture and the holiday decorations. The Christmas markets are likely to be in full swing, with stalls offering artisan crafts, seasonal foods, and mulled wine. You’ll have about four hours here, so there’s plenty of time to shop and enjoy.

Evening in Colmar

Dinner is not included in the package, giving you the chance to choose a cozy restaurant or café. Many reviews mention the regional cuisine — hearty dishes paired with local wines or champagnes. After dinner, you can take a leisurely stroll through the illuminated streets, soaking up the festive atmosphere.

Day 2: More Exploring and Return to Paris

The second day starts with more free time or optional visits, such as the Vieux Colmar guided tour or additional shopping. The highlight remains the market visits, where many travelers mention the stunning views of the decorated streets and canals, making it a perfect photo opportunity.

In the late afternoon, you’ll board the minivan for the 6-hour drive back to Paris. Some reviews note that the return trip provides a chance to rest and reflect on the beautiful scenery and festive sights.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenic travel, local culture, and holiday cheer. The small-group setting and luxury transportation stand out as major perks, creating a more relaxed, personal experience than larger coach tours. The opportunity to explore Colmar at your own pace — with time for shopping, tasting, and wandering — makes it a memorable way to celebrate the Christmas season.

However, the price may be a barrier for some, and long hours in transit could be tiring if you prefer shorter travel times. Still, if you love Christmas markets, picturesque towns, and regional delicacies, you’ll likely find this trip offers a charming, festive escape worth considering.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a luxurious, intimate Christmas market trip with flexible options. It’s perfect if you’re comfortable with long drives and enjoy exploring small towns at a leisurely pace. It’s also a good choice for those interested in champagne tastings and regional foods. If you prefer a more structured or budget-friendly option, you might want to look at other possibilities, but for a cozy, well-organized holiday break, this tour ticks many boxes.

FAQ

Is transportation in a small group?
Yes, the tour is limited to a maximum of seven participants, ensuring a more personalized experience and less crowding.

Are hotel accommodations included?
No, accommodations are not included, but the tour provider can help with booking hotels in the region.

Can I arrange for pick-up and drop-off in Paris?
Yes, pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or apartment in Paris are available for an extra charge, as are transfers from outskirts like Versailles or Disneyland.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a camera, cash, and a daypack are recommended. Don’t forget your passport or ID for travel and shopping.

Is this experience suitable for children?
The data doesn’t specify, but considering the duration and activity types, it’s probably best for older children or teenagers, especially those who enjoy walking and sightseeing.

What is included in the price?
Transportation in a luxury minivan, a guided tour of the Christmas market, and tastings at prestigious champagne houses are included. Extras like food, accommodations, and optional activities are separate.

Is there flexibility to customize the itinerary?
Yes, the itinerary is customizable, and there are options to include additional stops or services, such as hotel bookings or private pickups.

This tour to Colmar during Christmas promises cozy streets, stunning decorations, and regional delights, all within a manageable, well-organized package. It’s a tempting choice if you want a taste of Alsace’s holiday magic without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

You can check availability for your dates here: