"In a country where peace prevails in every corner, everything looks prettier, calmer and wiser!"
Welcome back to the 13th blog of our trip to Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Switzerland
Hope you like my previous blogs on "Lucerne" and here we are going to continue to spread our footprints not only into the Suisse landscapes, but we are also spreading to Colmar, France today.
France
France is a country located in the western Europe who has a population of 67 million people, and its capital is Paris.
It's not hard to believe that France is the one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. From the beaches of Normandy to the peaks of the French Alps, from the Belgium border to the Mediterranean Sea, France has something interesting for everyone.
One of the oldest nations in the world which was established since the 8th century, France is one of the most ethnically diverse country in Europe. These broad influences have made France a world leader throughout the history in nearly all aspects of culture like cuisine, wine, politics, music, art, film, fashion, sports and more.
We feel so happy today that we are coming to France again after spending Easter weekend in Paris few years ago.
Here is the blog on the happy times we had in Paris.
Colmar
Colmar is a place I have been wishing to come since many years ago, I saw too much travel related articles on this Alsatian city. Few years ago, my Man and I were in Paris, we wanted to make a trip here and when we went to train station to buy ticket, we were told that tickets were sold out and we should book it earlier." I really cursed him hard in my heart because he said no need to prebook train tickets!"
Best known for its colorful old timber houses of Alsatian designs, bustling streets of cafes, it is absolutely picture perfect.
The nearest airport is Basel Switzerland, and this is a small city that is easily explored on foot.
Strolling through the old town & soaking in the old fairytale atmosphere. getting myself up-close & personal with the unique culture and cuisine.
it is one of the prettiest towns I have seen in the Europe, located in the eastern France, near the border of Germany it has the population of 68,000 today. After WW2, Germany returned Colmar back to France, based on the long history, there is a strong German influence in Colmar in terms of architecture, culture and food.
IL Baretto Cafe
Glad to have this nice coffee at Zurich HB.
We woke up super early for this trip and skipped the breakfast at the hotel.
Grab and Go 2 coffees and 2 breads here, we are rushing for the train.
Zurich HB to Basel Station (Switzerland)
We took a train from Zurich HB to Basel which is the last interchange stations of the Swiss's soil before touching France or Germany, depending on your destination.
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We paid full fare as we have already used up our Swiss Travel Pass.
Full fare price from Zurich HB to Basel not Colmar is CHF72/SGD110 for 2 persons.
Zurich HB to Basel Station (Switzerland)
We took a train from Zurich HB to Basel which is the last interchange stations of the Swiss's soil before touching France or Germany, depending on your destination.
We paid full fare as we just realized that we have already used up our Swiss Travel Pass.
Return full fare tickets from Zurich HB to Basel to Zurich HB (Colmar is not included) is CHF72/SGD110 for 2 persons.
Once we reached Basel station, we went to SBB office which is the short form of Swiss Federal Railway in German - Schweizerische Bundesbahnen.
Return full fare tickets from Basel to Colmar to Basel at CHF68/SGD104 for 2 persons.
Which means, total amount spent from Zurich HB to Colmar to Zurich HB is CHF140 / SGD214 for 2 persons. Per person at CHF70 / SGD107.
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| Train bound for Strasbourg via Colmar. |
Although we did not step out of Basel Station, the interior looks simple yet modern. It must had gone through several revamp as Basel Station was built in 1854. I goggled a photo of the facade; it is indeed elegant and beautiful.
From here, we switched to for another train for a 47-minute ride before reaching Colmar. Total duration from Zurich HB to Colmar is near 2hrs.
Here is the interior of the train departing for international route.
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| We both have the "sparkle' in our eyes. |
Gard de Colmar AKA Colmar's Main Station
The mesmerizing 47 minutes scenic ride from Basel to Colmar was very scenic.
I did not managed to snap any photos as the windows were stained from the cold winter.
Built in 1907 by the German as it was occupied by the German Empire at that time, today this small yet well-maintained train station is attached by auto ticket counters, cafe and couple of small shops.
This pretty red building with a clock tower attracts more than 3 million passengers passing through annually.
At the outer compound of this train station, there is a small park with fountains which is ideal for a "meeting point".
The location of the town is about 15 minute's walk away.
PS : If you come across an arrow with a pic of Statue of Liberty on the ground, that's mean attractions are on the way of the direction. By the way, the information signages here are in English, French & German.
Below photos taken at the point, we were just merely few steps away from reaching our destination.
I cannot believe I am so close to this village now. Our adrenaline is on the verge of explosion!
We Are Here!
The first look we were greeted with upon stepping into the village was a sight I will never forget.
Immediately, we were transcended into a page of a fairytale, no wonder everyone believes or wish to be in the fairytales because they do exist!
Surrounded by old and colourful timber houses with the air of Christmas. We were here within the 12 days of Christmas.
Smiles were everywhere as the place is one of the dream destinations to many people.
It is one of the prettiest villages in the Europe, I am glad we made it here.
"And the cobblestones ground is literally covered with exploded Epinephrine from everybody, including us."
Place des 6 Montages Noires
Located at the entry point when you walk over from Colmar Train station.
A landmark that you will not missed if you had watched the Chinese Variety Show "Chinese Restaurant 2" where it bring Chinese food to France and this building is their restaurant. Originally, it is a local restaurant but rent to the TV crew for filming. It is because of this variety show, I swore to visit Colmar.
So it is a must for us to take a picture of this building.
Roesselmann Fountain
Located at the town square of Place des 6 Montagnes Noires, created by the man who created Statue of Liberty - Mr.Frédéric Auguste Barthold and yes, the current Statue of Liberty in New York was a gift from France.
The statue was made in honor of Jean Roesselmann, the first hero of Colmar who died while defending the town.
Petite Venise AKA Little Venice
We took real alot photos here as we cannot resist to the beauty of such scene from a page of a fairytale.
Petite Venise is the most enchanting neighborhood located along Lauch River which flows through the middle of Colmar.
The riverbanks are lined with colorful, well-preserved medieval houses from yesteryears, the combinations created an unforgettable scene that we saw on travel magazines or social media. And today, we are actually here to see it ourselves and strolling through, leaving behind our footprints.
Rue de Turenne
Just right after Litte Venice, we will have this small square that are full of shop and some parking lots.
The Rainbow
At certain angle you can see it is double rainbows.
We are deeply blessed that the fairy tale scene had the rainbow as the backdrop.
Drop Dead Gorgeous!
Quai de la Poissonnerie AKA The Fishmonger's District
The most famous photographed spot in this area, we took even much more pictures here.
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| We are just steps aways from Fishmonger District. |
This is the place where fishermen lived and worked, it is also located along the Lauch River and is one of the most photogenic streets in Colmar.
Well, we shall let these photos speak for themselves.
Quartier des Tanneurs AKA The Tanneurs District
This well-known district is back to the 1700s. and this is where the "Tanners" lived. Tanners are the people who worked as tanning the animal's skins (hides). Apart from the designs and colors of similar to other sides of Colmar, there are an open-air terrace attached to the houses where allow the tanners to dry their works here.
Well, we shall let the photos speak for themselves again.
Cafe Bistrot Le Flames Colmar
True blue Alsatian Spirit was so overwhelming in this cafe!
This is a home owned cafe, the lady boss is also one of the chef and we were being given the max hospitality that we ended chatting and exchanging photos of our sons. Her son is already a full adult, working in Hong Kong and getting married there soon. #ALLTHEBEST
The decor of the cafe is cozy and homely, old Alsace look and feel of French, German and a little Swiss.
There is an old CD player and sound system as this place held parties from time to time.
This tap is something I never came across before. See the long lever, it is where the switch of water where you just pull it up or down to control it.
Another checklist ticked ... we ate Alsace food - The Flambee.
Look like pizza but the crust is more to thinner side, ingredients are mainly onion, cheese and ham.
It is very delicious that my man sang high praises on it as he hate thick crusts.
Koifhus Ancienne Douane AKA Old Custom House
Koifhus Ancienne Douane is the oldest municipal building located in Colmar.
This Gothic building was completed in 1490 and serving the place as the custom office where there is a section of the building that was assigned to house all goods for taxation for import and export.
As the building stood through the test of time for centuries, it was later revamped into an administrative office, courthouse, bank and school, currently, this building contains shops, restaurants and event halls.
The roof which are tiled is the shape of diamonds, it does look standout here.
Rue des Marchands
Another notable and charming street in Colmar with air of Christmas lingering in the air.
The enchanting feel stretches for 250 meters at least, it is located in town easily accessible.
Plenty shops for shoppers
Plenty cafe for coffee lovers
Plenty restaurants for the diners
Plenty scenes for photographers
The Pfister House AKA Maison Pfister
As we strolled around, we came across a grand building which dated back to 1537.
The Pfister House of half timber building of renaissance designed was constructed by a wealthy merchant.
It is well decorated by woods and does look like the house from any fairytale. The Pfister family acquired the house and managed it from 1841 to 1892. Today, it is a symbol of Colmar that attracts everyone to stop on their track.
The best part is , Pfister House is located in Rue de Marchands.
St Martin's Church AKA Colmar Cathedral
Another notable structure that stood through the test of time.
The skyline of Colmar has been dominated St Martin's church since 1300s.
Random photos around the village
Strolling through the cobblestoned street of this street of the old town is another nice thing to do.
This place is always packed with crowds of locals and tourist.
Plenty of cafes to choose from whether chilling with friends, a meal with family or alone taking a break and people watching.
Our happy times in Colmar shall end here, well, the end of this blog meaning the start of another; coming up next will be on the romantic Strasbourg which will be the last blog on my 12 days spent in Switzerland.
Here are the shortcuts to the blogs on our trips in Switzerland:
The next blog coming up will be our Artic trip to Tromso where we caught the northern lights, the magical blue hour and etc., please stay tune by liking my Facebook page: followblueginger
We visited Europe recently like The Netherlands & Belgium recently : Amsterdam, The Hague , Rotterdam , Kinderdijk , Naarden ,Muiden , Haarlem , Nijmegan, Brussel, Bruges
and Antwerp.
We even moved to stay in Denmark during the peak of Covid : Relocation from Singapore to Aalborg, Denmark
Feel free, you are most welcome to browse through my other blogs to France, Japan, China, Thailand, Malaysia and cruises etc.
"I travel because seeing photos in books and brochures was not good enough for me, To be there, that was everything"
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