Musée Unterlinden

Colmar is the largest town along the Alsatian wine road and an important center for wine trade. Beyond the suburbs lies a pedestrian zone—an interesting mix of French and German culture and architecture. Short streets wind round old buildings between the plazas and lead you to the town’s old quarter, with its intricately carved and leaning houses, known as Petite Venise because a shallow canal weaves its way through the narrow streets.Although Colmar is an easy city to explore on foot, with many streets restricted to pedestrians only, another option for touring the heart of the old town is a fun ride on the colorful train that chatters along the cobbled streets and offers an interesting commentary of the city’s highlights. When sightseeing, be sure to visit the Dominican monastery, now the Unterlinden Museum with an excellent collection of portraits and an exhibition of crafts and customs. One room is a re-created Alsatian vintner’s cellar complete with wine presses. (Closed Tues, Nov to Mar, tel: 03.89.20.15.50.)