European town that looks like a Disney set - but you won't find it in the movies
Colmar, in France, is a picture-perfect town with half-timbered houses and pretty canals that make it look like it's been plucked straight out of a Disney movie - but it's not
Colmar, in France, is a picture-perfect town with half-timbered houses and pretty canals that make it look like it's been plucked straight out of a Disney movie - but it's notColmar in France has picturesque canals (
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Upon visiting Colmar in northeastern France, one may feel as though they've stepped into the set of a Disney blockbuster – specifically, the animated classic 'Beauty and the Beast.'
This enchanting city charms with traditional homes painted in soft pastels that line the picturesque canals, evoking familiar scenes from the film. With its relatively small population of 67,000, Colmar maintains a "country town" vibe, drawing visitors into its quaint atmosphere amplified by centuries of dedicated preservation.
Renowned for its stunning half-timbered houses and opulent merchant residences, Disney fans might mistake Colmar for Belle's hometown. Indeed, its distinctive architecture, including timber-clad homes, served as direct inspiration for the movie’s fictional setting in Alsace.
Visitors to Colmar may feel they've stepped into the set of a Disney blockbuster (
Image:
Getty Images)
Among its historical gems is the Adolf House, which stands as Colmar's most ancient structure. The Pfister House, dating back to the 16th century, with its elaborate decorations, demands admiration. Additionally, the notable House of Heads, built in German Renaissance style during the 17th-century and decorated with fascinating masks, is another highlight.
Visitors wanting to experience the best of Colmar on foot will find themselves satisfied, reports the Express. Colmar is globally renowned for its extraordinary lighting rig, featuring 1,100 computer-managed lights that create mesmerising spectacles all year round, illuminating the city's majestic architecture to stunning effect.
Come Friday and Saturday nights throughout the year, as well as during key celebrations like the International Festival, Regional Alsace Wine Fair, and Christmas in Colmar, the city radiates with enchanting light shows.
When the festive season kicks in, Colmar undergoes a magical transformation into a scene straight out of a Christmas tale, complete with market stalls lining its quaint streets. Visitors of this storybook locale have shared glowing testimonials.
One enthused: "Colmar's Old Town Advent Markets headlined our European tour. The Old Town was completely dolled up with Bears, Gnomes and holiday trappings. We loved the many Christmas markets and Vin Chaud."
Another visitor remarked, "Colmar is a beautiful and charming town with dozens of half-timbered buildings and cobblestone streets. There is plenty of public paid parking on the perimeter of the town (we used Sainte Josse structure on the southeast side for 3 Euros per day). There is a lot to experience simply by strolling through the town."
They continued: "The many shops and restaurants give you many options for your day. You could spend either a half or whole day here.
"During our visit it was extremely hot and we didn't find many ways of avoiding the heat so we opted to shorten our visit. Your first stop should probably be the Visitor's Center so you can get a map."