Car hire in Colmar opens up one of France’s most beautiful regions. This storybook town, with its half-timbered houses and flower-lined canals, sits at the heart of the Alsace wine route. From here, you can drive through picture-perfect villages, explore the Vosges mountains, and cross into Germany or Switzerland within minutes.

Getting Around Colmar by Car

Colmar’s old town is pedestrianised and best explored on foot. The Little Venice quarter, with its canals and colourful houses, is stunning. Park at the underground car parks on the outskirts — Parking Scheurer or Parking Mairie. The A35 connects to Strasbourg (45 minutes north) and Mulhouse (30 minutes south).

Driving the wine route is the region’s great pleasure. The D5 and D11 wind through villages with half-timbered houses, vineyards, and family wineries. Allow time for stops and tastings.

Colmar is minutes from Germany and Switzerland. The German border is 20 minutes east; Basel, Switzerland is 30 minutes south. Check rental contracts for cross-border permissions.

Day Trips from Colmar

Alsace Wine Route runs north from Colmar through Eguisheim (10 minutes), Riquewihr (20 minutes), and Kaysersberg (15 minutes). Each village is picture-perfect. Stop at domaines for Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Noir tastings. The full route to Strasbourg takes 3-4 hours with stops.

Eguisheim, 10 minutes south, is one of France’s most beautiful villages. The concentric streets circle a medieval core. Try the local Kugelhopf cake. Allow 2 hours for the village and tastings.

Riquewihr, 20 minutes north, is enclosed by medieval walls and surrounded by vineyards. The main street is lined with tasting rooms. Continue to Ribeauvillé for more wine.

Strasbourg, 45 minutes north, has a stunning cathedral and the Petite France quarter. The European Parliament is also here. Allow a full day.

Vosges Mountains, 30 minutes west, offer hiking and ski resorts. The Route des Crêtes is a scenic drive along the crest. Lac Blanc and Lac Noir are beautiful stops.

Driving Tips for France

The D5 and D11 along the wine route are narrow — park outside villages and walk in. Medieval streets weren’t designed for cars. Tasting rooms close between 12-2pm for lunch — plan accordingly.

Cross-border driving: Germany is accessible via the A35 east. Switzerland requires a motorway vignette (CHF 40) for autobahns. Check rental contracts — some companies charge cross-border fees.

Wine and driving: Alsace produces powerful white wines. The legal limit is 0.5g/L. Use spit buckets at tastings, or buy bottles to drink later at your hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many villages can I visit in a day?

Three to four comfortably. Colmar to Eguisheim (morning), Riquewihr (lunch), Kaysersberg (afternoon), back to Colmar. Don’t rush — each village deserves time.

Is Colmar better than Strasbourg for a base?

Colmar is smaller, more atmospheric, and better positioned for the wine route. Strasbourg has more museums and is better for a city experience. For wine villages, choose Colmar.

Can I drive to Germany for dinner?

Yes — Freiburg im Breisgau is 45 minutes across the Rhine. The drive passes through pleasant countryside. Check your rental contract allows cross-border travel. German restaurants are excellent.