This morning we took the train from Strasbourg to Colmar, France - less than 30 minutes. We didn't think anything could be more charming than Strasbourg, but Colmar is super charming! It is a smaller town, so it's easy to explore with just one day.
While strolling this town, I wondered how anyone during WWII could even THINK of bombing a place so beautiful - then we learned that they actually did spare these beautiful areas of Colmar! Yeah!
Many of these buildings are from 1300's to 1600's. This one, the Pfister House, was built in 1537 and has been painstakingly restored a number of times throughout the years.
Another view of the Pfister House from 1537.
Rick shoppping in Colmar
There are also canals in Colmar, thus is has an area called Petite Venise - Little Venice.
This set of homes was WAY too cute! You'll see several of these pictures - I couldn't help taking more pictures with the change of light, and also because this white truck was parked there most of the day - ruining a perfect picture!
Petite Venise area of Colmar.
Houses along one of the canals
A bit down this canal we began a 30 minute boat tour. We were in a low, open boat, because we really had to bend down low to get under some bridges! It was a great little tour and really worth it!
On the boat, we quickly reach an area which is in the center of Colmar, yet quiet, green, and lush! What a surprise!
The route of our boat tour.
Finally! A picture of Rick and I. The reason? I'm taking pictures with my iPhone, and I hate the idea of handing my phone to a stranger to take a picture!
A little later in the afternoon - the darn truck is still there.
We loved this blue house! Actually, we learned that houses were painted blue if the owner was Catholic, and red if they were protestant. Interesting!
This house with the beautiful roses has 1589 etched in the stone above the door.
Evening light - and the truck is finally gone!
Evening light in Petite Venise, Colmar
A completely new charm at dusk!
Look closely how the house and windows are crooked. Extra framing had to be put in to square it for the modern windows!
Evening lights on!
Amazing that these house are still standing - and people (and cats!) living in them!
After spending one night in Colmar, we continued on May 12 straight east to Freiburg, Germany.
That morning Rick was not feeling well, and had flu symptoms. Oh no! We had to take a bus from Colmar to the border, and poor Rick, with all the roundabouts and bumpy streets! At the border we took a train into Freiburg. Phew! no vomiting! The trip from Colmar to Freiburg took about 1 1/2 hours (because of all the stops the bus had to make!)
So our day in Freiburg turned into MY day to shop! Rick stayed at the hotel and slept, but fortunately felt slightly better in the evening to take a little walk with me so I could get something to eat.
My pictures of Freiburg are few - I actually just took them to show Rick, not knowing if he'd get to see anything. Freiburg was a nice town with many young people as there is a university here. Although this square by the cathedral was quiet, the rest of the city center (which is mostly pedestrian streets) was bustling with shoppers!
Even though Freiburg was very nice, after Strasbourg and Colmar, the oozing charm didn't compare - but I sure loved shopping at my own leisure!
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