Colmar city breaks

This pretty town looks as though it’s been plucked from a medieval folk tale, with its higgledy-piggledy, half-timbered houses and quaint canals. We wouldn’t blame you for thinking you’d woken up in the 16th century. You’ll jet into Strasbourg, then it’s less than an hour’s drive or train ride north to reach Colmar. Wander the cobbled streets, cruise the canals of ‘Little Venice’ and linger over long lunches filled with Alsatian wine in cosy winstubs (wine bars). This whimsical wonder is great in all seasons, but at Christmas it really shines. It’s then that the streets adorned with blooming geraniums swap them for twinkling lights and pine garlands. With several markets, you can eat, drink and shop your way across the city, soaking up the festive atmosphere as you go.