Every country has its ‘Little Venice’. In
fact, almost anywhere with a canal seems to be staking its claim. Given the
right dusk lighting and a well-angled location behind a narrow boat, you’ll
even find your photo of ‘the little Venice of Birmingham’ going viral. It’s no surprise, then, that the pretty town of Colmar can’t help but
get in on the act. Unlike some spots,
however, its river-woven, timber-house-lined centre is thoroughly deserving of
the accolade. If you want a picture-perfect scene, this historic centre is the
place to find it.
For much of the 19th-century the
town was, in fact, a part of Germany and has a rather unique culture as result,
with the German language blended into street names and a pleasing mix of French
and German cuisine… Not only is it the regional capital for wine but the local
beer isn’t half bad either.
It’s in the Horbourg Wihr district on the
eastern edge of town that Camping De L’ill À Colmar is found; perched on
the banks of a river. Despite being less than half an hour’s walk from the town
centre, the leafy setting gives the campsite a far more rural feel. Pitches are
spread among mature trees with the best of the bunch right on the waterside, so
be sure to ask for one of these if they’re available. Pre-pitched safari tents
are on offer, if you want a little luxury or simply don’t care for the effort
of pitching your own tent, and larger pitches are available if you’re arriving
as a group.
Facilities abound: There’s a small on-site
restaurant, a living room with books and board games, free Wi-Fi, a heated
swimming pool and a water play area. Yet, while it all keeps family campers
(and particularly children) happy, it’s the location that remains the winning
feature. Colmar itself has a wonderfully compact and walkable centre, while
canoeing on the local rivers and adventures in the Ballons des Vosges Nature
Park – a vast mountainous region a few miles west – mean your never short of
options.