Solo Return: The Living Heart of Colmar

#hellohalloween

You've already gasped at the half-timbered houses in "Little Venice." You've already felt the magic of a town that looks like a storybook illustration. This return trip to Colmar isn't about seeing more; it's about savoring more. My second solo visit was a journey into the city's rhythms, flavors, and the quiet corners that make it feel like home.

My Deeper Solo Itinerary: A Day of Alsatian Immersion

Morning: The Market & A New Angle
I started my day like a local, at the covered market, Marché Couvert de Colmar. Last time, I took photos. This time, I shopped. I bought a warm pretzel, a wedge of Munster cheese, and a handful of local cherries. I then took my bounty to the banks of the Lauch River in "Little Venice," finding a quiet spot away from the main footbridge to enjoy a spontaneous breakfast. The scene was the same, but the experience was entirely new and personal.

Afternoon: Art, Wine, and a Slow Stroll

· A Single Museum: Instead of trying to see everything, I chose one museum. I opted for the Unterlinden Museum to spend a full hour with the hauntingly beautiful Isenheim Altarpiece, understanding its history in a way I'd rushed past before.
· A Focused Tasting: Colmar is the capital of the Alsace wine route. This time, I skipped the crowded wine bars and went to a dedicated caveau for a structured tasting of Riesling and Gewürztraminer, learning about the terroir from a passionate vigneron.
· The Quiet Quai: I wandered the Quai de la Poissonnerie, but instead of stopping at the famous view, I kept walking, discovering the even quieter, equally beautiful canals lined with the homes of former fishermen.

Evening: Dinner in a Courtyard
For dinner, I sought out a winstub I hadn't visited before, one with a hidden courtyard garden. I ordered a tarte flambée and a glass of Pinot Noir, my book as a comfortable companion. It felt less like a solo meal and more like a private celebration of Alsatian culture.

Solo Traveler Wisdom for Your Return:

· Visit a Village: Use Colmar as a base and take a short local bus or train to a nearby village like Eguisheim or Kaysersberg. Seeing them on your own schedule, without a tour group, is a revelation.
· Go Seasonal: If you first saw Colmar in summer, see it during the Christmas markets—a completely different, magical world—or in the vibrant hues of autumn.
· Find Your Own Bench: Claim a specific bench on a lesser-traveled canal. Return to it at different times of day, making it your own personal observation post.
· Learn a Few Words of Alsatian: A simple "Merci vielmols" (Thank you very much) will earn you a beaming smile and a deeper connection