Where to go shopping in Colmar

Colmar, in the Alsace region of France, is not the biggest place in the world. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in charm. This small city sits close to the border with Germany, and thanks to its half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets, it can seem more like a place from a German fairytale than it does a French town. Pierced by scenic canals, this is one of the most Instagrammable towns in all of Europe, and a place that is a firm favorite with tourists looking to enjoy the famous wines (and even good tea), regional specialties, and colorful half-timbered houses Alsace is famous for.

Alsace mingles French charm with German traditions and offers a shopping experience you won't find anywhere else. Whether you're looking for high-fashion, Alsace wines, or local delicacies to bring home with you, you can find it all in this charming location.

And you can make any Colmar shopping trip easier by taking advantage of Bounce storage facilities. We partner with local businesses to provide safe and convenient storage for items of any size. So no matter what you buy, you can store it safely with us, enjoy the rest of your trip, and pick it up whenever you're ready.

All you need to know when shopping in Colmar

Shopping in Colmar is a leisurely experience, best enjoyed while wandering through its quaint streets and hidden corners. This is a small enough town that you'll want to explore on foot, so you don't necessarily need to worry about what area to go to or what shops to visit. With a little time on your hands, you'll be able to see them all. Just drop off your luggage with Bounce and take a stroll through the town, enjoying the attractions and the antique shops, cafés, tasting rooms, and markets. Along the way, you'll be able to soak up the charm of the old town and hopefully encounter some hidden gems as you explore.

Shopping architecture

Colmar’s shopping scene revolves around its historic center, where boutiques and specialty shops are housed in charming, centuries-old buildings. Open-air markets and artisanal stalls also add to the town’s shopping allure. The markets, including the famous covered market, are the best places to pick up local products and fresh produce and learn more about Alsatian food and wine culture. At the same time, you'll also find plenty of art galleries and antique shops throughout the heart of town.

Plus, if you're visiting at Christmas, don't miss the incredible Christmas markets here. Colmar is undeniably beautiful at any time of year, but there's something extra magical about these old streets on a cold night in December when the Christmas lights are twinkling and the smell of mulled wine fills the air.

Opening hours and seasonality

Most shops in Colmar open around 10 AM and close by 7 PM, with shorter hours on Saturdays and closures on Sundays. France still maintains the tradition of keeping Sunday as a day of rest, so this is not the best day to plan a massive shopping expedition, as you'll find many of the stores closed, especially the smaller ones. During the Christmas season, Colmar’s magical markets stay open longer, with most Christmas markets running from the beginning of December through to the end of the year.

Pricing and bargaining

Prices are generally fixed in boutiques and shops, but you might find opportunities to negotiate at open-air markets. Prices are also fixed at the Christmas markets, as these events are so popular, traders don't feel a need to haggle. Don’t miss out on seasonal sales in January and July for great discounts. In France, these are the only times of the year when stores are allowed to make a loss on particular items to lure more customers in, so these are the only times when you can expect North American-style bargains.

Shop like a local

Carry cash, especially euros, as some smaller shops may not accept cards. Bring a reusable tote to carry your purchases sustainably, as like most cities these days, plastic bags are virtually nonexistent, and buying a tote bag everywhere you go will quickly get expensive. If you're going to be paying cash, it can also be helpful to try and learn basic numbers in French before you visit. However, Colmar is popular enough with tourists that you'll find a lot of locals speak at least some English.

Coolest shops in Colmar

Colmar’s rich heritage is reflected in its unique shops, which offer everything from handcrafted goods to regional delicacies. More than just a great place to shop, this is an excellent place to just wander at will and take it all in, stopping here and there for a snack or a drink among the beautiful houses or close to the celebrated market hall.

Le Marché Couvert

This covered market is a hub for local produce and culinary specialties. From fresh cheeses and cured meats to regional wines and pastries, it’s a food lover’s paradise. And although is popular with tourists, it still retains something of a local feel. For centuries, this has been where Colmar residents went shopping for their food, and you will still see some of that quintessential French charm as you explore.

Address: Rue des Écoles

Au Vieux Pignon

This charming boutique specializes in traditional Alsatian ceramics and textiles, perfect for bringing a piece of Colmar’s culture home. Alongside the traditional ceramics, they also have some slightly less high-end souvenirs, so you can do a lot of your gift shopping here and browse a range of products, from the exquisite to the kitschy.

Address: 52 Rue des Marchands

Shopping experiences in Colmar

Colmar’s shopping scene extends far beyond fashion, offering a variety of goods that reflect the town’s culture and craftsmanship. Shopping in Colmar can be an experience all by itself, offering a great way to enjoy the town's history and culture and making buying things a potential highlight of your trip. Here are some of the best shopping experiences in this quaint town.

Christmas markets

During the holiday season, Colmar transforms into a winter wonderland with its renowned Christmas markets. Explore stalls filled with handmade ornaments, artisanal chocolates, and mulled wine. People travel from across Europe and beyond to see these Christmas markets, and as much as it looks like a fairytale town at any time of year, it's perhaps never more enchanting than it is in December. Note that these Christmas markets can get busy, but that's all part of the fun.

Locations: Various spots in the Old Town

La Sommeliere

This wine shop features an exceptional selection of local and regional wines, alongside gourmet food items. It’s the perfect place to stock up on Alsatian Riesling or Crémant d’Alsace. If you don't know a lot about wine in general or Alsatian wine in particular, don't worry. The knowledgeable staff can guide you in your choices and even give you a taste of certain wines if they have an open bottle so you can make an informed decision.

Address: 2 Rue des Tourneurs

Librairie Ruc

Located right next to the Cathedral, this is a cozy bookstore with a curated selection of French literature, children’s books, and travel guides. If you're lucky, you may even find some books in English, as well as German and French. It’s an excellent spot to find a meaningful keepsake or gift.

Address: 6 Place de la Cathédrale

Traditional shopping options in Colmar

For a more conventional shopping experience, Colmar offers several options to explore. Visiting some of the shops in the heart of the old town can give you a richer and more authentic experience of Colmar life instead of just feeling like a tourist all the time.

Rue des Clefs

This bustling street is Colmar’s main shopping artery, featuring a mix of high-street brands, local boutiques, and charming cafés. It’s ideal for a leisurely shopping day in Colmar. You can leave your bags behind at a Bounce storage location, then duck in and out of quaint and charming shops, restaurants, cafés, and wine bars to turn your exploration into an all-day affair.

Place de la Cathédrale

Surrounding the town’s iconic cathedral, this area is dotted with specialty shops offering artisanal goods, jewelry, and gourmet treats. Chances are you were coming to this area to see the historic buildings anyway, so why not take a little time to wander around and visit the shops in the area, too?

Shopping in Colmar is a charming journey through Alsatian culture and craftsmanship. Visiting the unique shops of the area is a great way to not only pick up some excellent gifts but also a way to discover more about the history and culture of the place. That's especially true if you're lucky enough to be visiting at Christmas time when you can enjoy the season of the Christmas markets the way generations of people have in the past. Leave your purchases behind with Bounce in the Old Town or near the Colmar Train Station, and you can travel hands-free and make the most of your time here.