Found on the Alsatian Wine Route, Comar is considered to be the capital of Alsatian wine, specialising in Riesling and Gewürztraminer varieties. And it’s a very pretty capital at that; the Old Town features half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings and a Gothic 13th-century church. You’ll find many colourful flowers decorating the properties and the canal, which runs through the centre, makes for some charming walks, cycles or kayak trips. Close to the German border, in the Grand Est region, the town enjoys cross-country influences. It’s also fascinating for fine art lovers — Colmar’s Unterlinden Museum houses the famed Isenheim Altarpiece.
L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa Colmar – MGallery
Surrounded by lush greenery, but just a short walk from Petite Venise, this MGallery property is a showcase for modern art and wellness. Its L’Esquisse Spa by Clarins is spread over 500 m² with a 15-metre sunlit pool and jacuzzi, overlooking the solarium patio. Bedrooms have balconies with views of Champ de Mars Park and come with Nespresso machines and Clarins bath products. There are accessible rooms and the huge penthouse suites are perfect for families. Its K Bar is the place for cocktails; the venue is characterised by an enormous hanging copper mask art installation.
La Maison des Têtes – Relais & Châteaux
A 17th-century stately mansion home will be your base, should you choose to stay at La Maison des Têtes (so named, because 106 small stone heads adorn its frontage). The building, a listed historic monument evocative of the German Renaissance, became a Relais and Chateaux hotel in 2015. Its rooms, with wood panelling and beamed ceilings, are in keeping with Alsatian tradition, yet carry a contemporary elegance too. Its Restaurant Girardin received a Michelin Star in 2022, thanks to Eric Girardin’s creative cooking and there’s a brasserie with a cast iron wood stove, as well as original stained-glass windows.
Hôtel Le Maréchal
This hotel was actually constructed on the city’s fortified walls in the pretty Little Venice district. Rooms have a grand or cosy style, featuring brocades, wooden beams, classic four-poster beds with drapes and gilt-covered antique furnishings, all very conducive to a flamboyantly romantic getaway. Some bedrooms are more modern in design, with a simpler aesthetic catering to those less keen on the more fussy traditional look — so be sure to request a category that suits your personal fancy. Guests can book a table at the theatrical A l’Echevin restaurant, for gourmet meals. And in summer, there’s a sheltered riverside terrace for alfresco dining.