Although the UK is still in the grips of winter, the weather is starting to warm, and a taste of sunshine might have you craving more.
But a European holiday can come with the trouble of over-tourism – no one wants to be rammed into the quaint cobblestones with hundreds of other tourists.
Luckily, Riviera Travel has revealed a stunning location that has all the charm and beauty of Venice, but is far less visited.
Joanne Lynn, head of European product, said: “Outside of the popular well-travelled destinations across Europe, there are a host of hidden gems begging to be uncovered.”
Her recommendation is Colmar, a city in the north-east of France.
She said: “It’s a charming location known for its combination of traditional architecture, picturesque canals and stunning vineyards. With narrow cobblestone streets and historic buildings, the city retains much of its medieval charm, creating the backdrop for an educational cultural trip. This shoulder season, Colmar is a must-visit, in my opinion.”
Famed for its traditional homes painted in soft pastels lining the canals, Colmar offers a taste of Venice without the crowds. In fact, it’s often referred to as « Little Venice » due to its charming canals and colorful half-timbered houses.
With a population of 67,000, Colmar maintains a country town atmosphere that is echoed through its preservation of the medieval buildings throughout the city. Colmar was the inspiration behind Belle’s fictional hometown in the famous Beauty and the Beast film.
Wandering along the narrow streets of the old town will showcase the gorgeous German style buildings and the vibrant flower arrangements surrounding the windows.
Colmar’s old town also features a wide range of independent shops and cafes, which make for an ideal spot to buy a few souvenirs and sample some local pastries and wine.
If you want to explore this quaint city for yourself, Colmar is situated at an equal distance from both Strasbourg Airport and EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL) – both 70km from the city.
Once you have chosen which airport to fly into, you can either hire a car or take a train from the airport. From BSL the train will take you to Colmar in just under an hour, and from Strasbourg it will take around half an hour.
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