Colmar Cruise Port
Breisach am Rhein Cruise Terminal
Colmar, France Port
UN/LOCODE FRCMR Port of call
Colmar Cruise Port Location
| Port Details | |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| UN/LOCODE | FRCMR |
| Contact | |
| Address | Rheinuferstraße, 79206 Breisach am Rhein, Germany |
| Port phone | +49 7667 940155 |
| Website | www.breisach.de |
| Geography | |
| Coordinates | 48.08190, 7.34670 |
| Accessibility | |
| Accessible | Limited |
River cruise vessels visiting Colmar dock at Breisach am Rhein, 22 km (14 miles) to the east, necessitating a 30-minute shuttle or taxi transfer costing roughly €60.00 (~$69.00 USD). This destination is located in the Alsace region of northeastern France, a geographic crossroads where German architecture meets French culinary precision. You are situated roughly 70 km (43 miles) south of Strasbourg and 65 km (40 miles) north of Basel, Switzerland, making it a pivotal stop on Rhine River itineraries. This is strictly a river cruise port experience, with the smaller Lauch River providing the picturesque backdrop for the city’s famous canal district. Keep in mind that the primary challenge here is not the distance, but the timing; the town center becomes congested by 11:00 AM, and the cobblestones will punish anyone without sturdy footwear. If you arrive expecting a sleepy village, you will be disappointed by the sheer volume of tour groups in the Place de la Cathédrale. However, Colmar rewards those who move beyond the main square to explore the Quartier des Maraîchers. It punishes the dawdler who misses the last shuttle back to the Rhine, as taxis between the city and the Breisach pier are notoriously difficult to secure on short notice during the peak summer and Christmas market seasons.
Colmar — Port Overview
History
Colmar first emerged into regional prominence in the 9th century, but it was its elevation to a Free Imperial City in 1226 that cemented its destiny as a mercantile powerhouse. For centuries, the city thrived on the Alsace wine trade, with the Lauch River serving as the vital artery for transporting barrels to the Rhine and beyond. This wealth is still visible in the ornate timber-framed houses of the 16th century, such as the Maison Pfister, built in 1537. The city’s history is a tug-of-war between French and German sovereignty, having changed hands four times between 1871 and 1945. This cultural collision created a unique Alsatian identity that survived the heavy industrialization seen elsewhere in the Grand Est. One of the most significant historical events for modern visitors was the 19th-century preservation effort that saved the Unterlinden Museum, formerly a 13th-century Dominican convent. It now houses the Isenheim Altarpiece, a masterpiece of the Northern Renaissance completed by Matthias Grünewald in 1516. When you walk through the Old Town today, you are essentially traversing a medieval blueprint that was miraculously spared from the heavy shelling that leveled nearby villages during the World Wars. The preservation of the 14th-century Saint-Martin Collegiate Church remains the most striking testament to Colmar's enduring religious and economic significance in the Holy Roman Empire.
The Verdict
The clients who get the most from Colmar are those who arrive with a plan and the flexibility to adapt to the midday crowds. This guide has been fact-checked by J. Richard and the Waterways Cruise editorial team. A shore excursion with a guaranteed return to the ship, matched to your mobility, interests, and pace, removes any risk of missing departure. At Waterways Cruise, no two travelers want the same day ashore, and Colmar is a destination that demands a personal touch.
Things to Do & See in Colmar
| Attraction | Type | Address | Phone | Hours | Website | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unterlinden Museum | Museum | 1 Rue d'Unterlinden, 68000 Colmar, France | +33 3 89 20 15 50 | Wednesday–Monday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Closed Tuesdays | musee-unterlinden.com | EUR €13.00 |
| Saint-Martin Collegiate Church | Historical Site | Place de la Cathédrale, 68000 Colmar, France | +33 3 89 41 27 20 | Daily 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM | paroisse-cathedrale-colmar.fr | Free |
| Little Venice (La Petite Venise) | Landmark | Quai de la Poissonnerie, 68000 Colmar, France | Open 24 hours | tourisme-colmar.com | Free | |
| The Koïfhus (Old Custom House) | Historical Site | Place de l'Ancienne Douane, 68000 Colmar, France | +33 3 89 20 68 92 | Exterior viewable 24/7; Interior open for exhibitions seasonally. | tourisme-colmar.com | Free |
| Bartholdi Museum | Museum | 30 Rue des Marchands, 68000 Colmar, France | +33 3 89 41 90 60 | Wednesday–Monday 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | musee-bartholdi.fr | EUR €7.00 |
Unterlinden Museum · Museum
EUR €13.00The Unterlinden is not just a museum; it is the soul of the Lauch River region. Housed in a former Dominican convent, it centers on Matthias Grünewald’s Isenheim Altarpiece. This polyptych was designed for a hospital treating victims of St. Anthony's Fire, and the graphic detail of the suffering Christ was meant to offer solace to the dying. It is worth knowing that most visitors spend all their time in the chapel, but the underground gallery connecting the old and new buildings is a quiet marvel of architecture. You will find yourself standing alone with works by Dubuffet and Picasso that most cruise groups ignore. The cloister at the heart of the museum provides the most peaceful atmosphere in the city. Visitor feedback is consistent that the museum requires at least 90 minutes to do it justice. If you only have two hours in Colmar, make this your only stop. The juxtaposition of medieval monasticism and 21st-century concrete is a design masterclass. It delivers a sense of historical weight that the 'whimsical' streets outside simply cannot match.
1 Rue d'Unterlinden, 68000 Colmar, France ·+33 3 89 20 15 50 ·Wednesday–Monday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Closed Tuesdays ·www.musee-unterlinden.com
Saint-Martin Collegiate Church · Historical Site
FreeKnown locally as 'The Cathedral,' though it lost that status centuries ago, this red sandstone giant dominates the skyline. Built between 1234 and 1365, it is a textbook example of Alsatian Gothic. When you step inside, the height of the nave immediately shifts your perspective away from the narrow streets. Look for the 'Virgin of the Rose Bush' by Martin Schongauer—though note that the original was moved to the Dominican Church nearby. The church is a survivor; it has weathered the Reformation, the Revolution, and the world wars. The temperature inside remains a cool 18°C (64°F) even in the height of summer, making it a perfect refuge from the midday sun. The organ case, dating from 1755, is a masterpiece of Rococo woodwork. This site rewards the quiet observer; sit in the pews for five minutes and simply listen to the silence of 700-year-old stone. It delivers a grounded, spiritual counterpoint to the commercial bustle of the surrounding market squares.
Place de la Cathédrale, 68000 Colmar, France ·+33 3 89 41 27 20 ·Daily 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM ·www.paroisse-cathedrale-colmar.fr
Little Venice (La Petite Venise) · Landmark
FreeThis is the image of Colmar that launched a thousand postcards. The Lauch River winds between rows of half-timbered houses painted in vibrant ochres, blues, and pinks. Historically, the colors weren't for aesthetics; they indicated the trade of the occupant—blue for carpenters, red for blacksmiths, yellow for bakers. When you stand on the Turenne Bridge, you are standing where the city’s tanners and wine merchants once unloaded their goods. It is well established that the best way to experience this is to walk the length of the Quai de la Poissonnerie. The flower boxes here are maintained by the city with obsessive care, changing three times a year to match the seasons. While it feels like a film set, people still live in these 16th-century homes. The experience delivers pure visual joy, but it requires patience to wait for a gap in the crowds to get a clear photograph. It is the most 'touristic' part of the city, but its beauty is undeniable. If you miss this, you haven't seen the Colmar that the world talks about.
Quai de la Poissonnerie, 68000 Colmar, France ·Open 24 hours ·www.tourisme-colmar.com
The Koïfhus (Old Custom House) · Historical Site
FreeCompleted in 1480, the Koïfhus is the oldest public building in Colmar. It served as the economic heart of the city for centuries, where all imported goods were weighed and taxed. Its most striking feature is the roof of multi-colored glazed tiles, which creates a shimmering diamond pattern against the sky. When you look at the architecture, you see a blend of styles: a Gothic core with Renaissance additions. The building separates the meat market district from the wine district, acting as a historical hinge for the city's trade. You will find that most walk through the central archway without looking up at the ornate wooden gallery. This building represents the sheer wealth of the Alsatian merchants during the Renaissance. It delivers a sense of the city's former power—not as a quaint village, but as a serious player in the trade routes of the Holy Roman Empire. The surrounding square, Place de l'Ancienne Douane, is the perfect spot to stop and realize that the cobblestones under your feet have been worn smooth by five centuries of commerce.
Place de l'Ancienne Douane, 68000 Colmar, France ·+33 3 89 20 68 92 ·Exterior viewable 24/7; Interior open for exhibitions seasonally. ·www.tourisme-colmar.com
Bartholdi Museum · Museum
EUR €7.00Auguste Bartholdi, the creator of the Statue of Liberty, was born in this very house in 1834. The museum is a fascinating, if eccentric, look into the mind of a 19th-century sculptor who specialized in the monumental. You will see his models for the Lion of Belfort and various designs for 'Liberty Enlightening the World.' The house itself is a beautiful example of a wealthy bourgeois residence of the era, centered on a quiet courtyard. Clients who followed this route reported that the museum feels very personal, almost as if Bartholdi just stepped out for a walk. It is never as crowded as the Unterlinden, offering a more contemplative experience. However, the lack of an elevator is a serious drawback. Expect a surprising connection between this small Alsatian town and the most famous landmark in New York. You will leave with a better understanding of how the 19th-century obsession with 'great men' and grand monuments shaped the modern world. Just be prepared for the climb.
30 Rue des Marchands, 68000 Colmar, France ·+33 3 89 41 90 60 ·Wednesday–Monday 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM ·www.musee-bartholdi.fr
Eating & Drinking in Colmar
Colmar’s culinary identity is defined by the 'Wistub'—a traditional wine lounge where the food is hearty and the wine is served in green-stemmed glasses. The regional dish you cannot ignore is **Choucroute Garnie**; unlike German sauerkraut, Alsatian choucroute is fermented for longer and cooked with Riesling, lard, and juniper berries, then served with five types of pork. For a lighter bite, find a **Tarte Flambée** (Flammekueche)—a paper-thin crust topped with fromage blanc, onions, and lardons. To drink, focus on the seven Alsatian varietals, specifically **Gewürztraminer** for its spicy, lychee notes. Locals actually use the **Marché Couvert** for their daily needs; head there to find the genuine **Munster cheese**, which should be eaten with cumin seeds to help digestion. A common tourist expectation is to find 'French' staples like Coq au Vin everywhere, but in Colmar, the menu is dominated by **Baekeoffe**, a three-meat stew that was traditionally left at the baker's oven on laundry day.
| Place | Address | Phone | Hours | Website | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant Girardin | 19 Rue des Têtes, 68000 Colmar, France | +33 3 89 24 43 43 | Tuesday–Saturday 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | la-maison-des-tetes.com | €60.00–€90.00 (~$69.00–$104.00 USD) |
| L'Epicurien | 11 Rue de la Poissonnerie, 68000 Colmar, France | +33 3 89 41 14 50 | Daily 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | restaurant-lepicurien.com | €45.00–€65.00 (~$52.00–$75.00 USD) |
| JYS Bar | 17 Rue de la Poissonnerie, 68000 Colmar, France | +33 3 89 23 23 23 | Tuesday–Saturday 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM | jean-yves-schillinger.com | €14.00–€18.00 (~$16.00–$21.00 USD) |
Restaurant Girardin
€60.00–€90.00 (~$69.00–$104.00 USD)Located within the 1609 Maison des Têtes, this is where you go for a 'milestone' meal. Order the Zander fish; it is the definitive Alsatian river fish, prepared with a lightness that contrasts with the typical heavy regional fare. The service is impeccably French—attentive but never hovering. One honest limitation: you must book weeks in advance for lunch during the cruise season.
19 Rue des Têtes, 68000 Colmar, France ·+33 3 89 24 43 43 ·Tuesday–Saturday 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
L'Epicurien
€45.00–€65.00 (~$52.00–$75.00 USD)This intimate bistro sits right in Little Venice. The chef focuses on seasonal Alsace produce but presents it with modern flair. Order the Foie Gras; Alsace is world-renowned for it, and here it is served with artisanal chutneys. The room is small, so you’ll hear your neighbors' conversations, but that is part of the authentic French bistro experience.
11 Rue de la Poissonnerie, 68000 Colmar, France ·+33 3 89 41 14 50 ·Daily 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
JYS Bar
€14.00–€18.00 (~$16.00–$21.00 USD)Part of the 2-Michelin star JYS restaurant complex, this bar is the best place for a high-end drink. The terrace overlooks the Lauch River, providing a front-row seat to Little Venice. It’s where the local 'cool crowd' gathers after work. Come here for a glass of Grand Cru Riesling if you want to escape the rustic Wistub aesthetic for an hour.
17 Rue de la Poissonnerie, 68000 Colmar, France ·+33 3 89 23 23 23 ·Tuesday–Saturday 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Getting There & Around
Once the shuttle drops you at Place Scheurer-Kestner, your primary mode of transport is your own feet. Colmar's historic center is a pedestrian-only zone where cars are strictly regulated. If you need to cover more ground, the 'Petit Train' (green or white) departs from near the Unterlinden Museum and provides a 35-minute narrated loop for €7.50 (~$8.50 USD). This is an excellent option for those who want to see Little Venice without the long walk. Public buses operated by TRACE cover the outer districts, but they are rarely useful for cruise passengers on a short call. Uber does not reliably operate in Colmar; stick to the official taxi stand at the Colmar Train Station if you need a ride. A navigation tip most guides omit: the 'Old Town' has very few street signs on the corners; look for names carved directly into the stone lintels or painted on the timber beams above eye level.
Itineraries & Sample Walks
4-Hour Shore Excursion in Colmar
Unterlinden Museum
9:30 AM (90 min)
You must head directly to the chapel to see the Isenheim Altarpiece before the school groups arrive. The detail in the Resurrection panel is staggering. Most visitors walk past the medieval wine press in the basement, which explains how this city funded its art.
- Short walk from the shuttle drop-off at Place Scheurer-Kestner. (Free)
- Entry: €13.00 ($15.00)
- Rent the audio guide. The symbolism in the Altarpiece is too dense to decipher without expert commentary.
Little Venice (La Petite Venise)
11:15 AM (60 min)
This is the most scenic part of the Lauch River. Walk along the Quai de la Poissonnerie to see the tanners' houses. It's a sensory experience of water, flowers, and timber.
- 12-minute walk south through the Old Town via Rue des Marchands. (Free)
- Entry: Free (Free)
- Cross the Turenne Bridge for the best photo, then duck into the Marché Couvert for a quick Alsatian snack.
Lunch Recommendation
Wistub Brenner
It sits right on the edge of Little Venice but maintains a local feel. The wood-paneling creates an authentic 'Wistub' intimacy that the larger tourist halls on the main square lack.
Order: Choucroute Garnie (Sauerkraut with five meats), Tarte Flambée (Alsatian flatbread)
1 Rue de Turenne, 68000 Colmar, France
Cost: €35.00 (~$40.00 USD)
8-Hour Full Day Experience in Colmar
Unterlinden Museum
9:30 AM (90 min)
Start here to avoid the heat and the crowds. The Cloister offers a moment of silence before the town wakes up.
- Shuttle from Breisach followed by a 3-minute walk. (Free)
- Entry: €13.00 ($15.00)
- The modern wing across the street is connected via an underground gallery—don't miss the Picasso hidden there.
Saint-Martin Collegiate Church
11:30 AM (30 min)
A massive example of Gothic architecture. Look for the 'Maiden with the Unicorn' on the south portal.
- 5-minute walk via Rue des Boulangers. (Free)
- Entry: Free (Free)
- The roof tiles are arranged in patterns similar to the Hospices de Beaune; view them from the Rue Mercière.
Getting back to the ship
The latest safe departure time from Colmar to the Breisach pier is 90 minutes before your ship's all-aboard. This allows for the 30-minute transit plus a 60-minute buffer for the frequent traffic congestion on the D415 bridge crossing the Rhine. A taxi will cost approx €65.00 (~$75.00 USD). If you miss the ship, contact the Port of Breisach Authority at +49 7667 940155. River cruise ships rarely hold for independent passengers. If you miss the departure, your only option is a €150.00 (~$172.00 USD) taxi to the next port of call—usually Strasbourg or Kehl—which is roughly 75 km (47 miles) away. It is advisable not to let a 'final glass of Riesling' cause logistical difficulties.
Weather & Best Time to Visit Colmar
Weather & What to Pack
Cruise season: March through December
18°C–26°C (64°F–79°F) in summer; 2°C–8°C (35°F–46°F) during the Christmas market season.
What to wear: Layers are essential. Even in summer, the morning shuttle from the Rhine can be chilly. The temperature difference between the riverside and the town squares is 4 degrees. Wear thick-soled walking shoes—not thin sandals—to dampen the vibration of the cobblestones. A waterproof jacket is smarter than an umbrella, which is difficult to manage in the narrow, crowded streets of the Old Town.
Weather risks: Rhine fog can delay early morning shuttle departures from Breisach. In winter, black ice on the bridge to Little Venice is a common hazard.
The 'Petite Venise' district is most beautiful in spring (April–May) when the window boxes are first planted.
| Season | Conditions | Hazards | Affected areas | Visitor advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (June–August) | High humidity and temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F), with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. | The exposed stones of the Place de la Cathédrale radiate heat. Dehydration is a risk for those walking the full length of the Old Town. | Old Town squares and the long walk from the coach park to the city center. | Carry a refillable water bottle and use the shaded paths in the Parc du Champ-de-Mars as your transit route to avoid the sun. |
| Winter (November–December) | Cold, damp air with temperatures often hovering around 2°C (36°F). Frequent light rain or sleet. | Wet cobblestones in the Little Venice district become extremely slippery. The narrow stairs in historic buildings are often slick with condensation. | Rue de la Poissonnerie and the entrance ramps to the Christmas Markets. | Footwear with deep tread is non-negotiable. Many clients who wore leather-soled shoes reported near-falls on the inclined streets near the Koïfhus. |
Practical Information
Cultural etiquette
In Colmar, the standard greeting is a crisp 'Bonjour, Monsieur' or 'Bonjour, Madame.' Failing to say this when entering a shop is considered a direct insult. When dining, the 'Wistub' is a social space; it is normal for tables to be close together, but you should not initiate conversation with neighbors unless they do so first. To signal you are finished eating, place your knife and fork parallel at the 'four o'clock' position on the plate. Tipping is included in the bill (service compris), but it is common practice to leave an additional €2.00–€5.00 (~$2.50–$6.00 USD) for good service. Photography is generally permitted in churches, but never during a service, and always without flash. A common cultural misunderstanding involves the 'German' look of the town; do not suggest to a local that Alsace is 'basically German.' The regional history is complex, and Alsatians are fiercely proud of their French citizenship, even if they speak an Alsatian dialect with Germanic roots.
Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake |
|---|
Spending the first hour in the Old Town instead of the Unterlinden Museum. |
Relying on Uber for the return trip to the Breisach pier. |
Wearing thin-soled sneakers or sandals. |
Assuming the shops stay open during the lunch hour. |
Practical tips
Colmar is a 'card-heavy' city; Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere, including for small cafe purchases. However, the smaller kiosks at the Christmas Markets and the public restroom turnstiles are strictly cash-only (Euro). Tipping is not required but 'rounding up' to the nearest €5 is appreciated. Five words to earn goodwill: 'Bonjour' (Hello), 'Merci' (Thank you), 'S'il vous plaît' (Please), 'Pardon' (Excuse me), and 'Au revoir' (Goodbye). The primary tourist scam here is 'The Clip-on Artist' near the coach parks—individuals who try to put 'friendship bracelets' on your wrist and then demand money; simply walk past without eye contact. For religious sites, the only dress code is to remove hats and cover shoulders. To avoid the worst crowds at the Unterlinden, arrive at 8:50 AM, ten minutes before the doors open.
Cruise Lines Visiting Colmar
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FAQ — Colmar
How do I get from the Breisach cruise dock to Colmar if I miss the shuttle?
If you miss the ship's shuttle, walk 10 minutes to the Breisach Train Station (Bahnhof) and take the 1076 bus toward Colmar. It runs roughly every hour and costs €4.50 (~$5.00 USD). Alternatively, ask the tourist office in Breisach to call a taxi, which will cost approximately €60.00 (~$69.00 USD) and take 25 minutes. Do not try to walk; it is 22 km (14 miles) along busy roads. For a guaranteed and stress-free transit, it is best to book a private transfer, which ensures a dedicated driver who monitors your ship's schedule.
Is the Colmar 'Petit Train' worth the price for cruise passengers?
Yes, specifically for those with limited mobility or those who only have 3-4 hours. For €7.50 (~$8.50 USD), it covers the main highlights of the Old Town and Little Venice in 35 minutes. It departs every 30 minutes from near the Unterlinden Museum. It saves you roughly 2 km (1.2 miles) of walking over rough cobblestones. However, if you are physically fit, you will see more by walking, as the train cannot enter the narrowest and most interesting side streets. The train provides headphones with English narration, which is useful for orienting yourself before you explore on foot.
Can I visit the High Koenigsbourg Castle during a standard Colmar port call?
Realistically, no. The castle is 30 km (18 miles) north of Colmar. A taxi would take 40 minutes and cost over €80.00 (~$92.00 USD) each way. Unless your port call is 10+ hours and you skip Colmar entirely, it is too risky. Most river cruise lines offer a dedicated excursion to the castle on a different day or from a different docking point. It is best to focus on Colmar's Old Town to avoid spending 2-3 hours of your limited time in transit. If you are determined to go, a private, high-speed itinerary that maximizes every minute can be arranged in advance.
What is the best way to see the Isenheim Altarpiece without the crowds?
The only way to see it in peace is to be at the Unterlinden Museum at 9:00 AM. By 10:30 AM, large groups of 30-40 people gather in front of the panels, making it impossible to see the lower predella or the side wings. If you arrive in the afternoon, try going at 4:30 PM, as most cruise shuttles depart by 4:00 PM. The museum is closed on Tuesdays, which is a common trap for passengers on a week-long Rhine cruise. Admission is €13.00 (~$15.00 USD), and the experience is significantly better if you pay for the €3.00 (~$3.50 USD) audio guide.
Are there public elevators in Colmar for those who can't use stairs?
Public elevators are very rare in the medieval center. However, the Unterlinden Museum is fully equipped with modern elevators to all levels. The Marché Couvert (Market Hall) is on a single level with ramped access. Most historic restaurants like Maison des Têtes have ground-floor dining, but restrooms are often located down a flight of narrow stone stairs. If you require a fully step-free day, stick to the area surrounding the Place de Unterlinden and the Parc du Champ-de-Mars, which are both flat and well-paved compared to the rest of the city.
What should I buy in Colmar that I can't find in Strasbourg?
Focus on the white stoneware pottery from Betschdorf, which is more prevalent in Colmar's specialized boutiques. Also, look for 'Pain d'épices' (gingerbread) from Fortwenger, which has a historic shop on Rue des Marchands. While Strasbourg has these too, Colmar’s smaller boutiques often carry 'seconds' or artisanal variations not found in the capital. A bottle of 'Late Harvest' (Vendange Tardive) Riesling from a local Colmar caveau is also a superior purchase, as many of these small producers do not export their best bottles outside the city limits.
Does Colmar have a public Wi-Fi network for navigation?
The city offers 'Colmar-WIFI' in the main squares (Place de la Mairie, Place de la Cathédrale), but it requires a French or European phone number for SMS verification and is notoriously slow. Do not rely on it for Google Maps. It is best to download the Colmar region on Google Maps for offline use before you leave your ship's Wi-Fi. Most cafes will provide a Wi-Fi password if you purchase a coffee, but the connection is rarely strong enough for photo uploads.
Is the water in the Colmar public fountains safe to drink?
Most of the decorative fountains in Colmar, such as the Schwendi Fountain, are not potable. However, there are dedicated drinking water taps marked 'Eau Potable' near the Unterlinden Museum and in the Parc du Champ-de-Mars. When in doubt, buy a bottle of local Wattwiller mineral water from a 'Monoprix' supermarket. It is much cheaper than buying water at the cafes in Little Venice, which can charge up to €4.50 (~$5.00 USD) for a small bottle.
What is the specific tipping etiquette for a taxi from Breisach to Colmar?
For a €60.00 taxi ride, a tip of €5.00 (~$6.00 USD) is appropriate and appreciated. If the driver helps with a wheelchair or provides commentary in English, increasing this to €8.00 (~$9.00 USD) is standard. Most taxis accept credit cards, but you should confirm this before the doors close. If paying by card, you can ask the driver to add the tip to the total, but having a €5 note ready for a cash tip is the preferred local custom.
Are the Christmas markets in Colmar open during the day for cruise passengers?
Yes, the markets typically open at 10:00 AM and stay open until 7:00 PM (8:00 PM on weekends). This is ideal for cruise passengers, as you can experience the stalls without the heavy evening crowds. However, the 'magical' light displays only turn on after 4:30 PM, which may conflict with your all-aboard time. If your ship departs early, focus on the indoor craft market at the Koïfhus, which offers the highest quality goods and is protected from the winter weather.
Fact-checked and co-written by J. Richard, Founder, Waterways Cruise, with the Waterways Cruise Content Team.
Published May 19, 2026 · Last updated October 8, 2026
This guide is researched and reviewed by our editorial team, but prices, hours, and availability change often. Confirm current details directly with venues, excursion operators, and your cruise line before you travel.