Gorgeous town inspired Beauty and the Beast and is just two hours from the UK

12 March 2024 , 07:00

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You'll want to add Colmar to the bucket list (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Europe is full of fairytale-worthy villages but there's one particular town that Disney fans may want to add to their travel wishlists.

With its quirky architecture, cobbled streets and wonky houses, Colmar looks like it belongs in a Disney film. In fact, it's one of the gorgeous spots that inspired animators when they designed the French provincial town for the 1991 animated Beauty and the Beast, where Belle and her father live.

While the classic film may be set in France, it's the specifically the region of Alsace on the French border with Germany that offered up inspiration behind the gorgeous animations. When you see the large town squares and colourful homes, it's not difficult to see why it was such a hit.

Colmar is a particular highlight with its Little Venice that's home to a waterfront promenade and bars, not to mention a host of eateries serving up some of that world-famous French cuisine.

Colmar looks like it belongs in a storybook (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The town also has plenty of quirky boutiques if you want to pick up a souvenir or two, as well as a variety of different markets where you can buy local produce.

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However it's the the Old Town is where you'll feel like you've truly stepped into a storybook. (Oh, and there's the bonus that you won't be hassled by Gaston as you make your way through the town.) A lot of the town is pedestrianised so there's plenty of opportunity to wander along and admire the half-timbered houses, some of which date back to the 16th century.

During the winter months the main squares transform with an extra dose of magic thanks to its Christmas markets with twinkling lights and dozens of stalls serving up everything from mulled wine to arts and crafts and decorations. One happy visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: "Quite the sight to see during Christmas market days, very festive and well decorated. Worth the visit. Changes during offseason, but still much to see here. A true taste of Alsace."

Alsace inspired the team behind Beauty and the Beast (Disney)

However be warned that during the festive season it can get pretty busy, with some visitors being slightly put off by the crowds. Still, no matter what time of the year you visit, it's not the only town in Alsace that you'll want on your radar - in fact, a lot of visitors said they opted for a road trip of sorts so they could explore the picturesque region's villages and vineyards.

Colmar is tipped as "the capital of the Alsacian wines" according to its tourism website The tourism authority adds: Besides, with its 67,000 inhabitants, Colmar retains a 'country town' atmosphere which contributes so much to its charm. Wonderfully preserved from the ravages of time, its homogenous historical centre is classed as a 'protected area' and has benefited from careful restoration and ongoing improvements for more than 20 years."

You can find out more on tourisme-colmar.com. If you want to visit one of the easiest routes is to fly direct to Strasbourg, the nearest airport. You can find cheap fares from £36 each way, while Tripadvisor has a handy guide to Colmar's best hotels with some stays from just £41 a night.

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Julie Delahaye