France

Colmar

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With its prime position at the heart of the Alsatian wine route in north-east France, it’s no wonder that Colmar is a favourite destination among connoisseurs. In fact, this pine-clad place is considered the capital of the celebrated wine region, noted for its exceptional dry white vintages made possible by the mountainous surrounds of the Vosges, and playing annual host to local winemakers at the famous Foire aux vins d’Alsace (Alsatian wine fair). But wine is not all that’s to be had in Colmar. The beautiful alley-woven old town looks as though it has been plucked from the pages of a medieval fairy story. The picture-perfect half-timbered houses are traditionally painted in pastel colours, providing a unique contrast to the dark cobblestone lanes and dimly lit bridge-lined canals. Besides its quaint appearance, Colmar’s fascinating past is well preserved in a number of magnificent churches and curious museums. Established in 1849 in a former 13th-century convent, the Unterlinden Museum is home to many spectacular artworks and biblical masterpieces.

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