Would you like to discover Colmar Alsatian specialties? A land of sharing and artisanal cuisine, Colmar is sure to delight the taste buds of gourmets passing through its medieval city.
With its traditional recipes with sometimes complex German names, the “Little Venice” has much to offer lovers of local French produce. Let’s discover together the culinary riches Colmar has to offer.
When we talk about Colmar Alsatian specialties, we inevitably think of its flagship product: Alsace wine. As you may already know, Colmar is considered the wine capital of Alsace.
This well-deserved privilege stems from its history, which is directly linked to the wine route and the many vineyards that populate the city’s surroundings. This product, the driving force behind the region’s development, delights millions of wine-lovers every year.
On the other hand, the region’s proximity and shared history with Germany seems to have inspired and forged a number of distinctive specialties, available almost exclusively in the Haut-Rhin region.
Would you like to try a typical Colmar culinary speciality? Here are some of the city’s best-known and most popular dishes:
Sauerkraut is undoubtedly one of Colmar’s best-known Alsatian specialties. Always made with cabbage, broth and roasted pork, the Alsatian version also contains smoked bacon, sausages and potatoes. There’s also a seafood and fish version called “Choucroute-de-la-mer”.
This tasty dish, often confused with pot-au-feu, is typical of Alsatian cuisine. It consists of an assortment of marinated lamb, beef and pork. Vegetables, potatoes, Alsatian white wine and numerous spices are then added. The whole thing must simmer for 24 hours.
Flammenküche, or tarte flambée, is made with crème fraîche, onions and bacon. The traditional recipe adds cottage cheese and nutmeg. It is often served with a green salad.
How can you talk about French gastronomy without including a good cheese made from local cow’s milk? This soft cheese can be recognized by its orange rind and has a reputation for being very strong-smelling. However, connoisseurs know better than to rely on this strong smell, as its taste is much sweeter and woodier.
As we’ve already seen, thanks to its rich cuisine and recipes, Colmar’s reputation for gastronomy is well established! Take a stroll along the Grande Rue or in Old Colmar, and you’re bound to come across a restaurant serving one of the region’s signature dishes. We also recommend spending the night in one of the town’s magnificent inns, where you can enjoy generous portions cooked in the style of our grandmothers.
You’ll find such places in the districts of Saint-Léon, Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, Saint-Antoine and Place des Maraîchers!
er ce genre d’adresses dans les quartiers de Saint-Léon, de Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, de Saint-Antoine ou encore sur la place des Maraîchers !
Gastronomy plays such an important role in Colmar that it is celebrated through recurring events throughout the year. These moments of sharing and conviviality are an opportunity to discover or rediscover the best pastries and wines that have made the region famous.
Here are some of the products you can sample at Colmar’s various markets and fairs.
Every year, Colmar’s Christmas and Easter markets are an authentic gastronomic rendezvous for many visitors. For example, you’ll find many of Alsace’s best-known bakery products, such as :
The king of Alsatian desserts, this cake is shaped like the turbans of the Three Wise Men. Often mistakenly compared to a simple, well-baked brioche, it is soaked in rum and usually garnished with almonds. You can also find a savoury version with bacon and walnuts! Its lesser-known cousin, the Langhopf, which contains dried fruit, is also worth discovering.
Gingerbread is a sweet delicacy known throughout France. But you absolutely must try the ones at the Place des Dominicains market. Entire stores in Colmar are also overflowing with this soft honey-cinnamon cookie.
We’re talking about a brioche again, but this time in the shape of funny little men. This plain or chocolate chip pastry is perfect for dipping in a hot drink while you wait for Christmas.
Still feeling peckish? You’ll also be able to indulge in various assortments of cookies, delicious crêpes and regional beers as you stroll between the stands.
Getting ready to go to the famous Colmar wine fair? Let’s go into a little more detail about the different grape varieties and appellations you’ll find there:
First of all, let’s start with this real star of the region, which is also its main red wine grape variety. This rather full-bodied wine, with its delicate red fruit aroma, is ideal for red meat dishes and cheeses.
Riesling is a dry white wine for drinking, but it’s also used in cooking, including traditional Alsatian sauerkraut. It is also used for another of Colmar’s flagship culinary specialties: coq au riesling.
Many Alsace vineyards produce Crémant d’Alsace, a sparkling wine. It can be made from pinot blanc, gris or noir grapes. Its resemblance to champagne, due to similar fermentation methods, doesn’t change its price, which remains very reasonable.
Finally, one of the other most popular white wine varieties at the Colmar Wine Fair is Gewurztraminer. A mellow, almost sweet wine, this ancient variety is the perfect accompaniment to a good Munster cheese or an Alsatian dessert.
Want to find out more about the history of Alsatian wines? Then visit the Musée des Vins d’Alsace on Colmar’s Place de la Cathédrale, not far from the Collégiale Saint-Martin!
With its tasting animation, you’ll have the opportunity to discover 3 AOC grape varieties from the Alsace region (or fruit juices for those who wish). But that’s not all! Young and old alike can discover the history of the Wine Route through its map and audio guides adapted to all ages. The tour is both educational and interactive, allowing you to become a connoisseur of Alsatian wines.
From winemaking to bottling, this museum immerses you in the daily life of winemakers and other wine-related professions in Alsace. Unusual activities include creating your own bottle label, as well as interactive activities such as a bike ride through the vines and grape crushing.
Don’t miss this museum, which has become a must-see in Colmar!
12 place de la Cathédrale
68000 Colmar
+33 (0)9 88 99 44 30
