Nancy or Colmar: Which One To Visit?

If you’re wondering if you should visit Nancy or Colmar on your next trip, you have come to the right place.

I visited both Nancy and Colmar on day trips from Strasbourg, as I lived there for a couple of years, and I loved them both.

These two cities are only a couple of hours apart, yet they couldn’t feel more different. It makes sense when you know they were historically never part of the same region. 

In short, if you want to visit a palace that feels completely different than Strasbourg, go to Nancy. If you want to continue admiring the typical Alsace architecture along picturesque canals, visit Colmar.

Let’s compare them to help you decide which one you should visit if you only have time for one!

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Overview: Nancy vs Colmar

Despite both being located in the northeast of France, Nancy and Colmar each have a completely different history and architecture.

Nancy	Colmar
Elegant Art Nouveau city	Fairytale Alsatian town
Grand squares and architecture	Half-timbered houses and canals
Less touristy, with great museums	Romantic town, for wine and village hopping

If you want a cozy Alsatian town with colorful half-timbered houses and vineyards, go to Colmar.

If you prefer elegant architecture, art, and a less touristy French city vibe, Nancy is the better choice.

Most tourists will go for Colmar, as it is one of the most popular places to visit in France, but Nancy has its own unique charm, and it is certainly worth visiting.

Tourist Attractions

• Winner: Both (for different reasons)

It’s hard to compare Nancy and Colmar, because these two cities are so different.

Nancy is known for its elegant Place Stanislas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called one of the most beautiful squares in France. You’ll also find impressive Art Nouveau architecture throughout the city.

Colmar is all about cozy vibes. Its colorful half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale. The historic district of La Petite Venise, with winding canals, is stunning.

Things to Do in Nancy

• Grab a drink on Place Stanislas: Experience one of the most beautiful French squares like a local.
• Go on an Art Nouveau walking tour: Follow the Art Nouveau route through the city and see the most impressive examples of the style.
• Wander the Old Town: Nancy also has a small Old Town with narrow streets, lively terraces, and plenty of local charm.
  

Things to Do in Colmar

• Stroll through Little Venice: The most beautiful area of Colmar, filled with canals and pastel houses.
• Go on a canal boat ride: If you’re traveling as a couple, a canal boat ride in Colmar is one of the most romantic things to do in France.
• Explore the Alsace Wine Route: Continue the fairytale vibes with a day trip to nearby Eguisheim or Riquewihr for some of the prettiest villages in France.

Getting There

• Winner: Both

Both cities are easily accessible by train or bus, depending on where you’re coming from.

If you’re visiting on a day trip from Strasbourg, Colmar is closer. It takes about 30 minutes by the regional TER train.

Nancy is a bit further, and it will take you about 1 hour and 30 minutes by train or bus. Taking a bus in France is often cheaper than taking a train, and it is worth it for short distances. I took a bus from Strasbourg to Nancy as it was half the price of the train.

If you’re traveling from Paris, take the train to Colmar or Nancy. Nancy is closer, as trains to Colmar usually go through Strasbourg. I’d skip the bus for long distances like this; the train is much faster and more comfortable.

While it is possible to visit Colmar on a day trip from Paris, some might think it’s too much travel for one day. Nancy is a better option for a day trip from Paris if you travel by train.

Accommodation

• Winner: Colmar (for charm)

Both cities offer a good range of hotels, but I’d say accommodation options in Colmar are a bit more unique.

That’s not to say you won’t find boutique hotels and unique accommodations in Nancy, but I just found that Colmar has more charming stays, from half-timbered guesthouses to cozy hotels in the old town. Many accommodations are within walking distance of cafés, restaurants, and the canal.

Where to stay in Nancy

• TOP Pick: Hotel D’Haussonville (this hotel is literally a tourist attraction!)
• Best Mid-Range Option: Maison d’Hôte de Myon
• Best Budget Pick: Student Factory Nancy Centre

Where to stay in Colmar

• TOP Pick: Hotel Le Colombier
• Luxury Option: L’esquisse Hotel & Spa
• Budget Option: PAUL & PIA 

Getting Around

• Winner: Both

Both Nancy and Colmar are very walkable cities, and I didn’t use public transport in either.

Both train and bus stations in Nancy are in the city center, which is compact, with most attractions within walking distance. There’s also a good tram network if you want to visit the Art Nouveau district or explore farther out.

Colmar is even smaller; you can see the main sights on foot in a few hours. If you plan to explore nearby wine villages, it’s worth renting a car or joining a small-group tour.

🚗 TOP Tip: You can rent a car in Colmar to explore the nearby villages on the Alsace Wine Route.  It’s one of the most scenic drives in France!

Christmas Markets

• Winner: Colmar

If you’re wondering if you should visit Nancy or Colmar for the Christmas markets, it might depend on what type of experience you’re after. Both cities have festive Christmas markets, but not many Christmas markets in the world can compete with the winter wonderland in Colmar.

Colmar and its half-timbered houses look like you stepped into a Christmas fairytale, with twinkling lights, decorated canals, and six different market areas spread across the old town. It’s easily one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in France.

Nancy’s Christmas market is smaller but charming, centered around Place Stanislas and the old town. It feels more local and less crowded. If you’re visiting from Strasbourg and want to escape the crowds, it might be a better option!

Better For A Weekend Getaway

• Winner: Colmar

This one is hard because Colmar and Nancy are actually situated in different regions, so they offer different experiences. Colmar is in Alsace, famous for its picturesque villages and vineyards. Nancy is actually in the neighboring region of Lorraine, which looks nothing like Alsace!

Colmar is a great base to explore Alsace. It is right in the middle of the Alsace Wine Route with easy access to all picturesque villages like Riquewhir, Eguisheim, and Ribeauvillé. Even if you don’t rent a car, you can take buses to all of those places.

Spending a weekend in Nancy is for those who want to escape the crowds, and it would be great if you have a car and want to enjoy nature. While there are several castles you can visit around Nancy, the villages are not as picturesque as those in Alsace.

Cost of Travel

• Winner: Nancy

Nancy can be slightly more affordable than Colmar, both for accommodation and dining. Colmar’s popularity with tourists, especially during the Christmas Market season, pushes prices up a bit.

Expect to pay around €80–120 per night for a mid-range hotel in Nancy, and around €100–150 in Colmar. 

When it comes to food and drinks, most places have similar prices for similar standards. A matcha latte or cappuccino in a nice cafe will cost you €5-6, and a meal in a casual restaurant will be €14-18. You’ll find more expensive and cheaper options everywhere, but those are average prices in France.

Tran and bus tickets are cheaper the sooner you book, so try to get them in advance for the best prices.  

Colmar is better for you if…

• You love colorful houses, canals, and taking photos of picturesque corners.
• You want to explore the Alsace Wine Route and see the villages that inspired famous fairytales.
• You’re on a romantic getaway and want to stroll cobblestone streets, enjoy a canal boat ride, and dine in fine restaurants.

Nancy is better for you if…

• You’re interested in art, architecture, and French culture beyond the usual tourist activities.
• You want a lively but less touristy city break where you can relax, observe the local life, and be close to nature.
• You’re traveling on a budget or coming on a day trip from Paris.
  

Should You Visit Both Nancy and Colmar?

If you have enough time, you should definitely visit both Nancy and Colmar.

Despite being relatively close to each other, these two cities offer a completely different experience: Nancy for art and elegance, Colmar for charm and vineyards.

If you can only pick one?

Go for Colmar if you want a romantic, picture-perfect destination.
Choose Nancy if you prefer a cultural city break with fewer crowds.

Summary: Should You Visit Nancy or Colmar?

I loved both Nancy and Colmar, but if you’re short on time and can only visit one, here’s my take:

Colmar is perfect if you’re dreaming of colorful houses, canals, and vineyard views, an ideal destination for slow travel and photography lovers. It’s also a great place to visit if it’s your first time in France and you want to see the most popular places in the country.

Nancy is best for those who want to experience an authentic French city full of art, history, and laid-back culture. It’s a place to go if you want to get off the beaten track and explore beyond the usual tourist route.

Both cities are beautiful, and I’m sure you’ll have a fantastic time no matter which one you choose!

👉 Next read: Colmar or Strasbourg: Which Is Better to Visit?
👉 Or explore: 15 Best Places To Visit In France In Winter